Authors: Theodoros Ntrinias

Title: The Emergence of Non-Traditional Co-operative Models: The Case of Greek Pharmaceutical Co-operatives

Abstract

ABSTRACT

Co-operative organization is characterized by its explicit dual nature: a business organization and at the same time an association of civil members. As any other business organization, co-operative organization experiences a heavy pressure for changes, particularly in the developed countries. A rapid organizational restructuring is observed. It is ascribed to an effort of adjustment to a hyper-complex and continuously transforming environment. Previous studies (mostly in agricultural or worker co-operatives) have identified changes that mark a transition from the traditional co-operative model to more entrepreneurial models. The aim of this study is to identify the types of change that pharmaceutical co-operatives experience in Greece, compare them with relevant studies and finally, create a typology of divergent co-operative models. Data gathered by multiple sources (questionnaire, meetings, interviews, observation, documents), indicate a pattern of changes which functions as point of departure from the traditional model. Typologies proposed by similar research in other industries and countries are affirmed to a great extent as well as the relative change trend from the traditional to entrepreneurial models. Moreover, emphatic evidence manifests the necessity for further enrichment of existing typologies. A novel, encompassing typology of non-traditional co-operative models is the final outcome of the research.

Keywords: Co-operatives, Change, Pharmaceutical Sector, Greece

JEL classification codes: L81, L31, M10, P13, I11