EO Mindset White Paper Publishes in ‘International Review of Applied Economics’

A new white paper written by members of the eoa provides an in-depth introduction and examination of our proprietary EO Mindset as a practical and theoretical framework for understanding what it means to be an employee owner.

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The white paper, ‘The EO Mindset: a behavioural model for Employee ownership’, has been published in the International Review of Applied Economics, a journal providing research on the applications of economic ideas to the evaluation and development of economic policies.

It’s been researched and written by James de le Vingne, Chief Executive of the eoa, and Yogita Johnston, eo Learn Development Manager and creator of the EO Mindset, with editorial support from eoa Content Lead Dominic Cuthbert. 

“The EO Mindset has been a powerful addition to the employee owned sector over the last few years,” James said.

“While we haven’t been shy about sharing the many benefits of this model, this is the first time we present it in full context, conveying its deep underpinning of research and the psychological and behavioural models that have helped inform and shape it.”

Yogita added: “The EO Mindset is a way of helping businesses develop a shared understanding of employee ownership and enables people to see how their contribution drives success and wellbeing of the business. 

“I’m proud to have worked on this white paper that will help cement knowledge and understanding of the model and its benefits for employee owners.”

What is the White Paper About?

The white paper draws on mixed-methods evidence from the EO Knowledge Programme, including interviews with senior decision-makers and employee owners, plus survey data and behavioural insights from the Good Employee Ownership report.

It develops an integrated behavioural model grounded in the belief that employees are key stakeholders in organisational success and wellbeing. 

This belief is expressed through five keystone principles: shared responsibility, business literacy, collaboration, continuous learning, and understanding and championing EO. 

The paper situates the model within wider scholarship on psychological ownership, self-determination, identity at work, stewardship theory, participatory governance, and behavioural change, explains its development, explores applications for EO businesses, leadership development and policy, and proposes an agenda for future empirical research.

The white paper can be accessed and cited by clicking or tapping here. 

Embedding Sharing with the EOT

The journal also includes a paper from eoa International Ambassador Graeme Nuttall and John Hoffmire from the Centre on Mutual and Co-Owned Business, University of Oxford Kellogg College. 

The paper is titled ‘Employee profit-sharing in not-for-profits using the employee ownership trust to facilitate employees sharing part of not-for-profit organisations’ surpluses’.

You can learn more about the EO Mindset and how to apply it your own business by signing up to our upcoming EO Mindset course. Click or tap here to book now.