A Cooperative Business Model: Achieving Economic and Social Sustainability

This article presents a collaborative-cooperative business model for sustainability through a case study of Hamro Multipurpose Cooperative Limited (HAMCOL). The study of HAMCOL and businesses owned by its members reveal that economic and social sustainability can be achieved through the collaborative-cooperative business model for sustainability. In accordance with this model, HAMCOL focused on promoting cooperative entrepreneurship, creating employment opportunities and collaborating with individual businesses. This approach helped cooperative members achieve economic and social sustainability. Above all, the promoters were dedicated to promoting a healthy business environment. As a result, within two decades, 169 businesses were operated. To develop an understanding of the cooperative business model, collect and analyse data and interpret the meaning of sustainability in the context, this study employed plural methods. By using a case study design, quantitative data were collected from periodic reports, financial statements and interviews. Similarly, qualitative data were obtained from semi-structured interviews and observation. The findings will have multiple impacts. The community and cooperative members could take part in establishing businesses and becoming successful. The government could replicate for economic and social sustainability