A framework of HRM in cooperatives: A systematic literature review and future research agenda

Abstract

Cooperatives, as democratic organizations owned and controlled by their members, pose distinctive challenges in the realm of human resource management (HRM). These challenges stem from their commitment to serving the diverse interests of multiple stakeholders and the fundamental differentiation between member and non-member employees. In an era where sustainability and a multi-stakeholder perspective have gained prominence in HRM research, cooperatives offer an ideal context for exploring these dynamic developments. Through a comprehensive synthesis of existing literature, this review seeks to construct an HRM framework that is tailored specifically to cooperatives. It highlights how the distinctive characteristics of cooperatives, such as member self-leadership, self-control, and adherence to cooperative values and principles, shape HRM policies and practices. The insights derived from this study provide implications for guiding future research in the domain of HRM within the cooperative sector.