Research Article

Institutional Decoupling in Emerging Markets: The Audit Paradox and Digitalisation Gap in Turkish Cooperatives

Volume: 10 Number: 2 May 27, 2026
TR EN

Institutional Decoupling in Emerging Markets: The Audit Paradox and Digitalisation Gap in Turkish Cooperatives

Abstract

This study examines institutional decoupling in Turkish cooperative governance by focusing on the gap between the formal alignment of cooperative legislation with global governance principles and functional shortcomings in practice. Using qualitative document analysis, it compares national legislation and recent policy documents (including the Türkiye Cooperativism Strategy and Action Plan (2025–2029) and the Specialised Commission Report) with international standards (ICA principles and ILO Recommendation No. 193). Findings indicate substantial de jure convergence consistent with isomorphic pressures in New Institutional Theory, yet persistent de facto deviation in auditing and digitalisation mechanisms. This macro–micro paradox is also visible in international benchmarks. Although Türkiye ranks 17th globally by nominal GDP, no cooperative appears in the WCM Top 300 by absolute turnover, and only one (Trakya Birlik, rank 272) is listed in the turnover/GDP per capita ranking. From an Agency Theory perspective, member-elected internal audit bodies often lack professional competence, weakening oversight and accountability—an “audit paradox”—while slow digitalisation (e.g., KOOPBİS) and bureaucratic fragmentation reinforce a “digitalisation gap.” The article argues that Türkiye’s cooperative potential requires governance reform that professionalises auditing while preserving democratic participation and consolidates the fragmented framework into a coherent, digitally supported oversight regime.

Keywords

References

  1. Avaner, T., & Hasanoğlu, M. (2020). Türkiye’de ikibinlerin başında kooperatifçilik ve konut kooperatifçiliği politikası sorunu. Uluslararası Yönetim Akademisi Dergisi, 3(2), 345–363. https://doi.org/10.33712/MANA.740368
  2. Birchall, J. (2017). The governance of large co-operative businesses (2nd ed.). Co-operatives UK. https://www.uk.coop/resources/governance-large-co-operative-businesses
  3. Boxenbaum, E., & Jonsson, S. (2017). Isomorphism, diffusion and decoupling. R. Greenwood, C. Oliver, T. B. Lawrence & R. E. Meyer (Eds.), The SAGE handbook of organizational institutionalism (2nd ed., pp. 77–101). SAGE.
  4. Bozgeyik, H., Erkalan Coşkunsu, S., & Çebi Dikdoğmuş, L. (2024). Mali yapısına etkisi bakımından Türk ve Hollanda hukukunda kooperatifin hukuki niteliği. ASBÜ Hukuk Fakültesi Dergisi, 6(2), 883–913. https://doi.org/10.47136/asbuhfd.1512679
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  6. Bromley, P., & Powell, W. W. (2012). From smoke and mirrors to walking the talk: Decoupling in the contemporary world. The Academy of Management Annals, 6(1), 483–530. https://doi.org/10.5465/19416520.2012.684462
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Details

Primary Language

English

Subjects

Economic Development Policy, Labor and Organisition Sociology, Business Administration, Business Systems in Context (Other), Economic Integration, International Trade (Other)

Journal Section

Research Article

Publication Date

May 27, 2026

Submission Date

January 11, 2026

Acceptance Date

March 29, 2026

Published in Issue

Year 2026 Volume: 10 Number: 2

APA
Taştan, K. (2026). Institutional Decoupling in Emerging Markets: The Audit Paradox and Digitalisation Gap in Turkish Cooperatives. Fiscaoeconomia, 10(2), 1-31. https://doi.org/10.25295/fsecon.1861272
AMA
1.Taştan K. Institutional Decoupling in Emerging Markets: The Audit Paradox and Digitalisation Gap in Turkish Cooperatives. FSECON. 2026;10(2):1-31. doi:10.25295/fsecon.1861272
Chicago
Taştan, Kürşat. 2026. “Institutional Decoupling in Emerging Markets: The Audit Paradox and Digitalisation Gap in Turkish Cooperatives”. Fiscaoeconomia 10 (2): 1-31. https://doi.org/10.25295/fsecon.1861272.
EndNote
Taştan K (May 1, 2026) Institutional Decoupling in Emerging Markets: The Audit Paradox and Digitalisation Gap in Turkish Cooperatives. Fiscaoeconomia 10 2 1–31.
IEEE
[1]K. Taştan, “Institutional Decoupling in Emerging Markets: The Audit Paradox and Digitalisation Gap in Turkish Cooperatives”, FSECON, vol. 10, no. 2, pp. 1–31, May 2026, doi: 10.25295/fsecon.1861272.
ISNAD
Taştan, Kürşat. “Institutional Decoupling in Emerging Markets: The Audit Paradox and Digitalisation Gap in Turkish Cooperatives”. Fiscaoeconomia 10/2 (May 1, 2026): 1-31. https://doi.org/10.25295/fsecon.1861272.
JAMA
1.Taştan K. Institutional Decoupling in Emerging Markets: The Audit Paradox and Digitalisation Gap in Turkish Cooperatives. FSECON. 2026;10:1–31.
MLA
Taştan, Kürşat. “Institutional Decoupling in Emerging Markets: The Audit Paradox and Digitalisation Gap in Turkish Cooperatives”. Fiscaoeconomia, vol. 10, no. 2, May 2026, pp. 1-31, doi:10.25295/fsecon.1861272.
Vancouver
1.Kürşat Taştan. Institutional Decoupling in Emerging Markets: The Audit Paradox and Digitalisation Gap in Turkish Cooperatives. FSECON. 2026 May 1;10(2):1-31. doi:10.25295/fsecon.1861272
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