Corporate Financial Literacy as an organizational capability in worker cooperatives: evidence from MONDRAGON

Abstract

This study examines Corporate Financial Literacy in worker cooperatives, a business context in which democratic governance and collective ownership shape financial decision-making. Whilst prior research suggests that individual-level financial literacy and external contextual factors affect cooperatives in ways similar to other organizational forms, this study shows that substantial differences emerge at the corporate level. Through 22 semi-structured interviews, this research develops a multidimensional conceptualization of Corporate Financial Literacy, which includes nuances and new elements, such as ownership structure, participation and transparency. The findings suggest that in cooperatives, financial literacy should be understood as a collective organizational capability, shaped by governance mechanisms, shared practices, and the financial competencies of the broader membership. The analysis reveals that cooperative Corporate Financial Literacy supports more informed and legitimate decision-making, strengthens internal transparency, and enhances organizational learning. Moreover, stronger Corporate Financial Literacy contributes to greater resilience, long-term survival, and, particularly in contexts of economic uncertainty, improved organizational performance.