Title: Institutional logics and practice variation in an agricultural cooperative: results of a Delphi study

Authors: Dorota Leszczyńska; Maryline Thénot

Addresses: IDRAC Business School, 1200 Avenue Maurice Donat, 06250 Nice Sophia Antipolis, France ' NEOMA Business School, 59 Rue Pierre Taittinger, 51100 Reims, France

Abstract: This paper empirically shows the influence of two contradictory institutional logics on practice variation by studying the case of an agricultural cooperative group in which cooperative and financial logics rub shoulders. It also explores how the link between institutional logics and practice variation leads to a particular performance level in the newly created practice. The Delphi research method has been used to test theoretical concepts, interviewing a panel of 24 experts. Results show that the influence of practice variation can become a key element in evaluating the performance of new practices in agricultural cooperatives. The results highlight the fact that it might be possible to find a balance between cooperative and capitalist logics, by implementing an appropriate governance structure. These results show how important it is for a cooperative group to communicate effectively, to maintain democratic management and links with the membership, and to give its administrators top-quality training.

Keywords: institutional logics; institutional practice; performance levels; cooperative groups; practice variation; agricultural cooperatives; Delphi study; capitalism; governance structure; communication; democratic management; membership links; administrator training; agriculture.

DOI: 10.1504/IJARGE.2015.074095

International Journal of Agricultural Resources, Governance and Ecology, 2015 Vol.11 No.3/4, pp.369 - 386

Accepted: 17 Aug 2015
Published online: 08 Jan 2016 *

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