Economic Democracy: Understanding Worker Cooperatives
Explore the viability of worker-owned businesses as alternatives to traditional capitalism, examining their efficiency, governance, and economic impact.
Explore the viability of worker-owned businesses as alternatives to traditional capitalism, examining their efficiency, governance, and economic impact.
This comprehensive course investigates the concept of worker-managed firms and their potential as alternatives to traditional capitalist corporations. Students explore the internal dynamics of employee ownership, including productivity and governance, as well as broader impacts on health, democracy, and local economies. The course addresses the paradox of cooperatives' high productivity yet relatively low GDP representation, analyzing economic theories and real-world examples. Special attention is given to policies promoting cooperative sectors and long-term viability of worker-owned enterprises.
Instructors:
English
English
Powered by
What you'll learn
Understand the basic economics of worker-owned and controlled firms
Analyze the productivity and governance dynamics of cooperative businesses
Evaluate the impact of employee ownership on health and local economies
Examine theories explaining cooperative sector development and challenges
Explore policies for promoting and sustaining cooperative enterprises
Assess cooperative models in finance and community development sectors
Skills you'll gain
This course includes:
PreRecorded video
Graded assignments, exams
Access on Mobile, Tablet, Desktop
Limited Access access
Shareable certificate
Closed caption
Get a Completion Certificate
Share your certificate with prospective employers and your professional network on LinkedIn.
Created by
Provided by
Top companies offer this course to their employees
Top companies provide this course to enhance their employees' skills, ensuring they excel in handling complex projects and drive organizational success.
There are 6 modules in this course
This course explores the concept of economic democracy through worker cooperatives. It examines both theoretical and practical aspects of worker-owned businesses, including their internal operations, productivity, and governance structures. The curriculum covers key topics such as cooperative economics, management practices, financial sustainability, and policy frameworks. Students learn about real-world examples like Mondragon and Pacific plywood cooperatives, while also studying cooperative approaches in finance and community renewables.
The Internal Impact of Employee Ownership
Module 1
The External Impact of Employee Ownership
Module 2
Economic Theory of Labor-Managed Firms
Module 3
Long-term Viability
Module 4
Cooperativism in the Finance Sector
Module 5
Community Renewables
Module 6
Fee Structure
Instructors
Economic Democracy Scholar and Cooperative Economics Expert
Donald A. R. George serves as Honorary Fellow in Economics at the University of Edinburgh, where he previously held the position of Senior Lecturer (Associate Professor) in Economics. His research focuses primarily on cooperative economics and worker participation, culminating in his influential work "Economic Democracy: The Political Economy of Self-Management and Participation." His academic career includes prestigious appointments as Jean Monnet Fellow at the European University Institute in Italy, Visiting Associate Professor at Queen's University in Canada, and Visiting Professor at the University of Canterbury in New Zealand. As joint Founding Editor of the Journal of Economic Studies, he has shaped academic discourse in his field. His research has been supported by notable institutions including the Nuffield Foundation and the British Academy, particularly for his work on workers' cooperatives in Denmark. Through his publications and research, he has contributed significantly to understanding the relationship between economic democracy and worker self-management, advocating for the extension of democratic principles from political to economic spheres.
International Business Scholar and Post-Communist Economics Expert
Dr. Rick Woodward serves as Senior Lecturer in International Business at the University of Edinburgh Business School while maintaining a significant research position at CASE (Center for Social and Economic Research) in Warsaw, Poland. His academic foundation includes a Ph.D. in Economics from the University of Lodz, complemented by degrees from Pennsylvania State University. His research portfolio spans transnational entrepreneurship, enterprise networks, knowledge transfer, and innovation, with particular expertise in privatization processes in post-Communist countries. He has made substantial contributions to understanding employee ownership in privatized companies, corporate governance structures, and international business dynamics in transitional economies. His multilingual capabilities, including fluency in English, Polish, and German, with working knowledge of French, have enabled him to conduct comprehensive research across diverse international contexts. Through his numerous publications and ongoing research, he continues to advance understanding of privatization processes, international business dynamics, and economic transformation in post-Communist societies, while maintaining active engagement in both academic and research institutions. His work bridges theoretical frameworks with practical applications in international business and economic transformation, particularly focusing on the unique challenges and opportunities presented by emerging markets and transitional economies.
Testimonials
Testimonials and success stories are a testament to the quality of this program and its impact on your career and learning journey. Be the first to help others make an informed decision by sharing your review of the course.
Frequently asked questions
Below are some of the most commonly asked questions about this course. We aim to provide clear and concise answers to help you better understand the course content, structure, and any other relevant information. If you have any additional questions or if your question is not listed here, please don't hesitate to reach out to our support team for further assistance.