Henehan, Brian Michael

Sr Ext Assoc
I conduct applied research on decision making and the organizational behavior of agricultural or rural membership-based business organizations. Using knowledge gained from that research, I deliver an extension program aimed at enhancing the management skills and decision making ability of agricultural leaders, managers, and decision makers.

research

research and scholarship focus

My applied research focus is on the management and governance of cooperative organizations as it relates to marketing member products and organizational performance. Previous work has focused on cooperative finance, management, governance and marketing. My underlying goals are to discover best practices for improving cooperative performance that result in enhanced member well-being.

primary investigator of

research areas

affiliations

head of

academic staff in

other Cornell affiliations

teaching

teaching focus

I periodically guest lecture in classes on the subjects of group action in marketing and value-chain coordination. I have assisted graduate students with an interest in cooperatives on developing research projects.

service

outreach focus

My Extension and outreach focus is on reaching boards of directors and senior managers of farmer-owned businesses to improve their decision making and management skills. I work closely with a non-profit organization comprised of cooperative businesses to deliver conferences, workshops and educational events aimed at providing stimulating learning experiences for participants.

current professional activities

Secretary of the Northeast Cooperative Council, a nonprofit organization serving rural cooperatives from across New York and New England

• National Council of Farmer Cooperatives Education Committee
• Editorial Board, American Cooperation
• Founding Director, Cooperative Development Institute

background

educational background

M.S., University of Vermont, 1985
B.S., Boston College, 1968

awards and distinctions

National recognition in 1995 for his work in cooperative education from the National Committee for Cooperative Month

publications

selected publications (listing in progress)

  • Henehan, Brian M. 2002. The decision to merge: A case study of U.S. dairy cooperatives. Working Paper 2002-34. Department of Applied Economics and Management, Cornell University.
  • Anderson, Bruce L., and Brian M. Henehan. 2002. Questions cooperative directors should be asking management. Staff Paper 2002-01. Department of Applied Economics and Management, Cornell University.
  • Henehan, Brian. 2001. Considering cooperation: A guide for new cooperative development. Extension Bulletin 2001-01. Department of Applied Economics and Management, Cornell University.
  • Henehan, B., and R. Brandoff. 1998. Considerations for group action in marketing specialty crops produced in the New York City watershed. Staff Paper 98-03, Department of Agricultural, Resource, and Managerial Economics, Cornell University.
  • Henehan, Brian M. 1997. Marketing cooperatives' competitive advantage. Overview of Chapter 8 in American Cooperation. Washington, DC: National Council of Farmer Cooperatives.
  • Henehan, B. M., B. L. Anderson, T. P. Pezzolesi, and R. L. Campbell. 1997. Putting cooperation to work: Cooperating for sustainability. Guidebook for satellite teleconference, Cornell Cooperative Enterprise Program, Department of Agricultural, Resource, and Managerial Economics, Cornell University.
  • Henehan, B.M., and B. L. Anderson. 1994. Decision making in membership organizations: A study of fourteen U.S. cooperatives. Research Bulletin 94-5, Department of Agricultural, Resource, and Managerial Economics, Cornell University.
Keywords: agricultural cooperatives, agricultural economic development, applied economics, business management, cooperative business administration, industrial organization, marketing