Our Share: Employee Ownership as a Wealth Sharing Tool from Coursera

In this course, you will learn about a well-researched tool for building a more equitable economy: “employee ownership.” You will learn what it is, how it differs from traditional business ownership models, and the forms it can take. You will learn how employee ownership can share wealth and profits with employees--while making businesses more productive. You will learn what the research shows about the benefits of this tool for employees, retiring business owners, and the economy.

Whatever your interest in the topic, you’ll find information here that you can use. If you are a business owner or entrepreneur, you will learn why employee ownership could be a solution that benefits you and your employees. If you are an employee of a business, you will learn how you could gain an ownership stake in the business and what that would mean. If you are a student, this course is relevant to numerous fields including human resources management, strategy, entrepreneurship, organizations, history, economics, community economic development, labor studies, sociology, and more. If you are simply someone interested in tested real-world solutions to economic inequality, or concerned about social justice, this course is for you as well.

By the end of the course, you will know key questions to ask to determine whether employee ownership may be suitable for your workplace.

This course was developed by the Institute for the Study of Employee Ownership and Profit Sharing with support from the Beyster Foundation for Enterprise Development.

What's inside

Syllabus

What is Employee Ownership?

In this course, you will learn about a well-researched tool for building a more equitable economy: “employee ownership.” You will learn what employee ownership is, how it differs from traditional business ownership models, and the forms it can take. You will learn how employee ownership can share wealth and profits with employees--while making businesses more productive. In the first week of the course, you will learn about how businesses are commonly owned. By the end of the first week, you will understand how employee ownership differs from common ownership models...and you will be able to name three relevant economic trends. Find links to more resources by clicking "Download" below the videos in this lesson. Let's get started.

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Read about what's good

what should give you pause

and possible dealbreakers

Examines employee ownership, exploring the different types and traditions of businesses sharing ownership with workers

Develops an understanding of employee ownership research, which suggests improved firm performance and employee well-being

Taught by Adria Scharf and Joseph R. Blasi, who are recognized experts in employee ownership research

Provides foundational knowledge on implementing employee ownership, including key steps and resources

Suitable for students or professionals interested in equitable economic models, social justice, or workforce management

Requires access to optional materials and resources for supplemental learning

Reviews summary

Employee ownership: models, benefits, and implementation

According to students, this course offers a comprehensive and highly informative overview of employee ownership models. Learners consistently praise its ability to blend academic research with actionable insights, making it valuable for both theoretical understanding and practical application. Many found the lectures to be clear and concise, appreciating the inclusion of real-world examples and founder stories. While a minority of learners noted the pacing could be slow or desired more in-depth case studies, the overwhelming sentiment highlights the course's strength in providing practical tools and resources for exploring employee ownership as a wealth-sharing and social justice solution.

Provides useful links and materials for further study.

"The supplemental resources are incredibly helpful."

"The resources provided are a goldmine."

"I appreciated the links to more detailed guidance and instructional resources."

Integrates theory with actionable, real-world implementation advice.

"I especially appreciated the real-world examples from company founders. It perfectly blended theory with practical application."

"As a business owner, I found the section on implementation and lessons learned from founders invaluable. This course isn't just theory; it provides actionable insights."

"The balance between academic research and practical application is perfect. I now feel equipped to ask the right questions about employee ownership in my workplace."

"The expert interviews add significant value. I highly recommend it for anyone considering this model for their business."

Provides a well-structured and easy-to-understand introduction.

"This course is a phenomenal introduction to employee ownership! The lectures are clear and concise..."

"A very informative course. The overview of different ownership types was well-structured."

"I learned a lot about ESOPs and worker cooperatives. The instructor explains complex concepts in an easy-to-understand manner."

"This course exceeded my expectations! It's well-structured and logically progresses."

Informative content, but some found the video delivery dry.

"While the topic is important, I found the presentation somewhat dry."

"The videos were often just talking heads without much visual engagement. I struggled to stay focused."

"I believe the course could benefit from more interactive elements to enhance engagement."

Well-suited for beginners, but may lack depth for advanced learners.

"Some sections felt a bit basic for someone already familiar with business models, but it served its purpose as an introduction."

"Good foundation, but felt a bit slow at times. The pacing could be improved."

"My main critique is that some of the examples felt a bit too brief, leaving me wanting more detail on the specific transitions."

"I would have liked more in-depth case studies to analyze specific implementation challenges."

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Our Share: Employee Ownership as a Wealth Sharing Tool with these activities:

Review ESOPs and worker cooperatives

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By reviewing materials on different employee ownership models, you will build a foundation for the course.

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Start with the course materials on the historical roots of employee ownership.
Review resources on ESOPs.
Search the web for more information on worker cooperatives.

Discuss business ownership models with peers

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By arranging a session to discuss concepts with peers, you can clarify your understanding and identify areas where you need more support.

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Reach out to fellow course participants to set up a study group.
Come to the first session prepared by reading the course material on business ownership models.
Take turns facilitating the discussions.

Analyze real-world examples of employee ownership

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By analyzing research, you will have a chance to apply the concepts you learn in the course to real-world scenarios.

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Read the article titled 'Three Companies That Give Employees a Share of the Profits.'
Search for additional case studies yourself.
Write a one-page summary of your findings.

Five other activities

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Create a presentation on employee ownership

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By synthesizing concepts in a presentation, you will gain a deeper understanding of their interrelationships and significance.

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Choose a specific aspect of employee ownership to focus on.
Research your topic.
Create an outline for your presentation.
Develop your presentation slides and practice your delivery.
Present your findings.

Develop a business plan incorporating employee ownership

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By creating a plan, you will be able to apply the principles you learn in the course to your own professional goals.

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Research different types of employee ownership structures.
Identify the advantages and disadvantages of each structure.
Select a structure that is appropriate for your business.

Attend a workshop on employee ownership

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Workshops will enhance your understanding of the practical applications of the concepts covered in the course.

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Search for workshops in your area.
Register for a workshop that interests you.
Attend the workshop and take notes.

Mentor someone who is interested in employee ownership

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Mentoring others will help you to solidify your knowledge of the concepts covered in the course, while also making a valuable contribution to your community.

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Identify someone who is interested in learning more about employee ownership.
Share your knowledge and experience with them.
Provide them with resources and support.

Contribute to an open-source project related to employee ownership

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Your contributions to open source will develop valuable technical skills and contribute to a valuable community resource.

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Identify an open-source project related to employee ownership that you are interested in contributing to.
Read the project's documentation and familiarize yourself with the codebase.
Make a contribution to the project.

Career center

Learners who complete Our Share: Employee Ownership as a Wealth Sharing Tool will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Social Entrepreneur

Social Entrepreneurs use business principles to address social and environmental problems. They may found or work for non-profit organizations or social enterprises. This course may be helpful for Social Entrepreneurs because it provides an understanding of how employee ownership can help organizations achieve their social mission while also providing economic benefits to employees.

See salaries and explore the career path for Social Entrepreneur

Economic Researcher

Economic Researchers conduct research on economic issues. They may work for government agencies, businesses, or research institutions. This course may be helpful for Economic Researchers because it provides an understanding of how employee ownership can be used to address economic inequality and promote economic growth.

See salaries and explore the career path for Economic Researcher

Professor of Economics

Professors of Economics teach and研究经济学原理. They may work for colleges and universities. This course may be helpful for Professors of Economics because it provides an in-depth understanding of the economic benefits and challenges of employee ownership.

See salaries and explore the career path for Professor of Economics

Public Policy Analyst

Public Policy Analysts研究政策影响社会的提案和政策. They may work for government agencies, think tanks, or advocacy groups. This course may be helpful for Public Policy Analysts because it provides an understanding of how employee ownership can be used to promote economic justice and equality.

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Financial Advisor

Financial Advisors provide financial advice to individuals and families. They may work for banks, investment firms, or other financial institutions. This course may be helpful for Financial Advisors because it provides an understanding of how employee ownership can help clients achieve their financial goals.

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Economist

Economists study the production, distribution, and consumption of goods and services. They may work for government agencies, businesses, or research institutions. This course may be helpful for Economists because it provides an understanding of how employee ownership can affect economic growth and inequality.

See salaries and explore the career path for Economist

Investment Banker

Investment Bankers help companies raise capital and advise them on mergers and acquisitions. They may work for investment banks or other financial institutions. This course may be helpful for Investment Bankers because it provides an understanding of how employee ownership can affect a company's valuation and attractiveness to investors.

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Corporate Strategy Consultant

Corporate Strategy Consultants help businesses develop and implement strategies to achieve their long-term goals. They may work for consulting firms or directly for corporations. This course may be helpful for Corporate Strategy Consultants because it provides an understanding of how employee ownership can align the interests of employees with the goals of the company.

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Operations Manager

Operations Managers are responsible for overseeing the day-to-day operations of a company. They may work in a variety of industries, such as manufacturing, retail, and healthcare. This course may be helpful for Operations Managers because it provides insights into how employee ownership can improve efficiency and productivity.

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Human Resources Manager

Human Resources Managers are responsible for managing the people-related aspects of a company, such as recruiting, hiring, training, and development. They may also be involved in employee relations, compensation and benefits, and health and safety. This course may be helpful for Human Resources Managers because it provides an understanding of how employee ownership can improve employee morale and job satisfaction.

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Business Development Manager

Business Development Managers are responsible for developing and implementing strategies to grow a company's business. They may work for businesses of all sizes, from startups to large corporations. This course may be helpful for Business Development Managers because it provides insights into how employee ownership can help attract and retain customers.

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Financial Analyst

Financial analysts use their knowledge of finance and economics to provide investment advice to individuals and organizations. They may work for banks, investment firms, or other financial institutions. This course may be helpful for Financial Analysts because it provides an understanding of how employee ownership can affect a company's financial performance.

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Management Consultant

Management Consultants help organizations of all types, including businesses, non-profits, and government agencies, improve their performance. They may be involved in a wide range of activities, such as developing strategies, improving operations, and implementing new technologies. This course may be helpful for Management Consultants because it provides insights into how employee ownership can improve employee motivation and productivity.

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