Locus of Control and Degree of Organizational Democracy

Abstract

This paper analyses control graph data from eighteen new-wave food cooperatives in Minneapolis and St. Paul. Findings reveal inconsistencies with reports of general patterns in the literature. These inconsistencies are shown to be interpretable within a framework which views these organizations as democratic organizations. Key strengths and weaknesses of the control graph approach for the study of democratic organizations are identified, and the case is made for avoiding unilateral substitution of 'degree of oligarchy' for 'degree of democracy' as a continuum along which to compare work organizations.