Models & Success Factors for Worker Coop Development

Presentation to Learning/Action Lab August 22, 2013

Hilary Abell, hilaryabell@gmail.com

Worker Coop Origin Stories

Lemonade from Lemons

Build a Better World

Pass It On

Start It Up

Worker Coop Origin Stories

Mondragon, Argentina’s recuperated factories, Union Cab, New Era Windows

Equal Exchange, Namaste Solar

Cheeseboard, South Mtn.Builders, Select Machine

CHCA, WAGES coops, Arizmendi, Evergreen, Pamoja

Start It Up: 4 approaches to coop development

Industry Transformation“Hybrid”e.g. CHCA

Single Industry“Franchise-like” e.g. WAGES

Place-based Clusters“Diversified”e.g. Evergreen

Institutional Engagement“Anchor” e.g. Evergreen

Success Factors in Worker Coop Development

Development Model

Resources &Infrastructure

People & Culture

Processes & Programs

Success Factors in Worker Coop Development

Development Model• Laser-like focus on clear priorities• Integrated business, human &

organizational development• Thoughtful long-term support

o Clear expectations from Day 1o Strong control by developer

• Industry focus

Success Factors in Worker Coop Development

Resources & Infrastructure• Patient capital (grants, equity)

• Shared services (back office – HR, finance, insurance – + training)

Success Factors in Worker Coop Development

People & Culture• Strong management and leadership• Workplace participation• Disciplined hiring, firing and evaluation

Success Factors in Worker Coop Development

Processes & Programs• Hybrid governance• Continuous training (linked with

organizational development)

CHCA Success Factors

Development Model• Home health care industry focus• Acquired industry expertise• Multi-disciplinary leadership team• VNA, ICS as anchors / sweetheart clients

Resources &Infrastructure• Ample grant funding

People & Culture• Social entrepreneurial leadership • Coaching supervision• Culture of dignity & respect

Processes & Programs• Robust job & soft skills training • Hybrid governance with outside

leadership & educational built in

WAGES Success Factors

Development Model• Job creation as “true north”• Green housecleaning industry focus• Development team of Coop GM, trainer & coop developer/Ta provider• Balance of WAGES control duringincubation with member participaiton

Resources &Infrastructure• Ample grant funding• Shared training, HR, financial

management

People & Culture• Participatory workplace• Social entrepreneurial leadership

Processes & Programs• Robust ongoing training program,

integrated with OD • Hybrid governance with outside

leadership & education built in

Resources

• We Are the Roots – book on culture at CHCA• 1993 Case Study of CHCA• Sherman Kreiner article on CHCA and

Childspace• Community Wealth Ventures list of criteria for

successful social franchises• Hilary’s forthcoming paper on this topic