The article contributes to the co-op theory by exploring a current understanding of the dual nature at the core of co-op ideology that summarises its original purpose. The literature review examines this dual nature, highlighting its importance in the context of democratic governance. The empirical study focuses on exploring the significance that members of the governing bodies attach to the dual nature, and the effect the two roles have on putting the duality of a co-op into practice today. Based on the research, we argue that co-ops’ business role determines their operation along with the financial benefits to their members. In particular, the social objectives associated with the member association role are subordinate to the co-op’s business role, and this creates conflicting expectations and practices in co-ops’ management. The article highlights how business plays a dominant role and undermines co-ops’ democracy and social goals. We suggest that finding a balance between the member association and the business roles reflects a new co-op ideology, in which business dominates. We also argue that the governing body members’ deep understanding of the dual nature reinforces the fulfilment of the co-ops’ member association role, and thus its ultimate and original purpose.

本文通过探讨当前对合作社意识形态核心的双重性的理解，总结了其最初的目的，为合作社理论做出了贡献。文献综述考察了这种双重性，突出了其在民主治理背景下的重要性。实证研究的重点是探索理事机构成员对双重性质的重视，以及这两个角色对今天实现合作社双重性的影响。根据这项研究，我们认为合作社的业务角色决定了他们的运营以及为其成员带来的经济利益。特别是，与成员协会角色相关的社会目标从属于合作社的业务角色，这在合作社的管理中产生了相互矛盾的期望和实践。文章强调了商业如何发挥主导作用，破坏了合作社的民主和社会目标。我们建议在成员协会和业务角色之间找到平衡，这反映了一种新的合作意识形态，其中业务占主导地位。我们还认为，理事机构成员对双重性质的深刻理解加强了合作社成员协会角色的实现，从而增强了其最终目的。