The methodology for the definition of the population under study, data collection, and development of rankings is briefly described below. For a more detailed discussion and explanation of the methodological aspects of the World Co- operative Monitor, please see the “World Co-operative Monitor Methodology” paper available at www.monitor.coop.
The population under study
Reaching an understanding of the whole co-operative movement represents the biggest challenge for the World Co-operative Monitor project. Although we are faced with a diversity of national legislations and a variety of co-
operative forms, it is fundamental that the boundaries of the population under study are understandable worldwide and that they reflect the characteristics of co-operative organisations in different areas of the world and in diverse contexts.
Table 1 shows the types of co-operative organisations subject to analysis, as a synthesis of research work done by the Research Team of the World Co-operative Monitor. Non-co-operative enterprises in which co-operatives have a controlling interest are also considered in the study due to their importance in understanding not only the direct impact of co-operatives but also their indirect impact.