Description

This paper considers the conflict between cooperatives and technology. Data and examples are given from various empirical studies carried out in Spain and show that there is no general support for the optimistic hypothesis that cooperatives need to humanise opportunities for technological adaptation in order to avoid conflicts. Firstly, it is noted that the use of technology in this type of enterprise is usually very much limited by the activity. The impact of technology on the manufacturing
sector is very different to that on cooperatives offering services or professional activities. Secondly,
technology depends on business strategy. According to the Miles and Snow classification as applied
to cooperatives, those in the industrial sector develop reactive and defensive strategies, whereas professional cooperatives show different strategies. This strategic behaviour and the increasing trend
towards the creation of cooperatives in the industrial and services sectors leads to the conclusion that
this type of enterprise tends to avoid the problems associated with industrial technology by the greater
need for funds and the destruction of jobs involved in technological adaptation.