The article is about nudges. In that context, the more you align the users with the owners of the co-op, the fewer nudges move the product away from the users. Depending on opportunities to change the structure, this effect can be very strong. For example in a utility co-op, a structure already in use in some places, the owners are literally the users and they wouldn’t raise rates on themselves. Note that isn’t employee owned. If you had an employee owned manufacturing facility, they’re less likely to pollute local waterways as they’d be polluting themselves.
The status quo alternative is elite ownership of the utilities and manufacturing facilities, where those individuals receive a large share of the profits which they can use to insulate themselves from environmental pollution or cost of living concerns.
The fact that co-ops aren’t absolutely perfect in all cases is not strictly a knock against them. The status quo is particularly troubled.
The status quo alternative is elite ownership of the utilities and manufacturing facilities, where those individuals receive a large share of the profits which they can use to insulate themselves from environmental pollution or cost of living concerns.
The fact that co-ops aren’t absolutely perfect in all cases is not strictly a knock against them. The status quo is particularly troubled.