Exploring values-oriented organisations: a multiple case study of design cooperatives

Abstract

Organisational worker-owned models, such as worker cooperatives, have been steadily gaining momentum and challenging conventional hierarchical structures. Simultaneously, socially-oriented design practices continue to emerge in response to financial crises, climate change, increasing inequality, and the rise of far-right movements. Looking into the design industry, it is possible to observe that the cooperative structure is not yet common, but it is gradually earning recognition. Moreover, there is limited discussion in the literature regarding its functioning and impact. This master's thesis aims to explore the uniqueness of the worker cooperative model in the design industry, specifically focusing on socially-oriented design cooperatives with non-profit and politically driven aims. The primary objective is to contribute to understanding this phenomenon through a three-case analysis and address the current research gap.

The research adopts a qualitative approach. Its theoretical background outlines the foundation of the study examining theory on cooperatives, socially-oriented design, and values. In the empirical phase, a multiple case study methodology was selected to examine and compare three values-oriented cooperatives practising socially-oriented design from a political standpoint: Cooperativa de Diseño (ARG), Holon (ES), and Common Knowledge (UK). For the study, data from documentary sources was organised and contrasted with data from semi-structured interviews. The initial analysis of the data applied and adapted version of Rawluk et al.'s (2018) framework for mapping values statements, followed by a qualitative cross-case comparative analysis using both coding and affinity diagramming methods. Triangulation of findings was attained through a final group interview.

The results are introduced with the preliminary visual mapping of the values statements, subsequently followed by the findings from the cross-case comparative analysis. These consist of substantial emerging themes from the analysis, touching on the suitability of the cooperative model and its implementation; the cases' socially-oriented design practices and incorporation of an activist agenda in design work; and the challenges that arise from being organisations operating within and against capitalism.

The study's results indicate that these values-oriented organisations adhere to social values both in their functioning and design practice. Furthermore, the findings suggest that applying horizontal and cooperative approaches to design organisations benefits both the workers and the practice of socially-oriented design. Ultimately, the research reinforces the idea that using the cooperative model and collaborating with social organisations and local communities empowers alternative economies and helps enable a transition towards a just economy.