Motivational drivers to choose worker cooperatives as an entrepreneurial alternative: evidence from Spain

Worker cooperatives as an entrepreneurial activity that values collective benefits have raised increasing interest in recent years. This prioritisation clearly distinguishes this business model from other entrepreneurial forms. Nevertheless, entrepreneurship research to date has rarely focused on worker cooperatives. This study draws on this gap by examining the main factors decisive for people preferring this business model. The results suggest five factors that can act as drivers for improving entrepreneurial creation through worker cooperatives and conforming to an entrepreneurship path aimed at improving social cohesion. These factors are related to several key points: cooperative principles and the governance model of these organisations; the perception of this model as especially suited for favouring equality; the individual’s social orientation; and the influence of external aids provided to the constitution of worker cooperatives. The findings also suggest the need for effective public policies that favour the cooperative model since it promotes a more responsive and sustainable economic growth.