Through adherence to the seven ICA principles, small community-based co-operatives can enhance their members’ experiences of empowerment in running their business.  For example, according to Principle 2 – Democratic Member Control, each member should be active in setting the co-op’s policies, and making important decisions.    

When a co-op becomes very large however, are these principles difficult to follow? For instance, what happens when a co-operative becomes so large that the vast majority of members don't exercise their voting rights? Is the principle of Democratic Member Control still relevant? 

 

In this webinar, Ghislain Paradis of IRECUS (s.coop/1fdz9), and formerly of Desjardins, argues that some ICA principles are based on idealism rather than realism; he suggests that large co-operatives cannot effectively adopt these principles in a way that would allow them to meet their needs in the global marketplace.

 

In response, we will hear from the MCDRN’s own Sonja Novkovic, of the Sobey of School Business at Saint Mary's Univeristy, whose research involves working with worker co-ops to improve their ability to operationalize the ICA principles and values.  Dr. Novkovic will argue that the ICA Principles remain just as valuable and relevant as co-ops grow.

 

After we hear from Ghislain and Sonja, two respondents will give their own input on the debate:

 

Note: All participants should be prepared to phone in as well as join online (for the visuals). Please prepare to join online 10-15 minutes before the webinar starts in order to allow the driver to load.