Conceptual Framework for the Purpose of Measurement of Cooperatives and its Operationalization
Résumé
T
his
report presents a general overview of how cooperatives and key concepts are
measured for statistical purposes. It is based on extant work and literature. The
first part of the report reviews the most important statistical studies on coopera
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tives. Conceptual and methodological issues are identified concerning the identification
and classification of cooperatives, including a discussion about core components and
boundary areas. The report then proposes a conceptual framework for defining and
classifying cooperatives for measurement purposes. This framework suggests a set of
four structural-operational qualification criteria to identify cooperatives. It also proposes
a double classification of cooperatives, based on the main economic activity and on a
characteristic helping to distinguish types of cooperatives. The report also raises some
issues about the measurement of membership and value added, as well as employment
in cooperatives. On these aspects, the report concludes that focusing on membership
rather than on measuring individual members may be the best path. To measure the
economic contribution of cooperatives referring to the concept of value added is not
recommended unless it is adapted to cooperatives. Other modes of calculation of the
cooperative’s economic contribution will need to be explored. The nature of employment
in cooperatives will also need to be reflected accurately in overall employment statistics.