How To Organize A Viable Cooperative Society
Organizing a viable cooperative society involves orchestrating a collaborative framework wherein individuals pool resources, knowledge, and efforts to achieve common goals and address shared needs within a community or organization. Key steps include establishing a clear vision and mission statement, delineating roles and responsibilities among members, fostering open communication channels, implementing transparent decision-making processes, and cultivating a culture of inclusivity and mutual support. Effective governance structures, such as elected boards or committees, ensure accountability and facilitate strategic planning and resource allocation. Additionally, prioritizing education and training programs enhances members’ capacity-building and promotes sustainable development. Leveraging digital tools and platforms can streamline operations and facilitate wider participation and engagement. Continuous evaluation and adaptation are crucial to refining operations, maximizing efficiency, and sustaining long-term viability in response to evolving challenges and opportunities.
This project work is channeled towards studying how to organize a viable co-operative society.
It specifically dealt with motives for joining co-operative society, factors affecting the formation of co-operative society and Ten steps in organizing a viable Co-operative Society.
Title Page
Approval
Acknowledgment
Abstract
Table Of Contents
Chapter One
1.0 Introduction
1.1 Statement Of Research Problem
1.2 Purpose Of The Study
1.3 Background Of The Study
1.4 Theoretical Foundation Of The Study
1.5 Research Question
1.6 Limitation Of The Study
1.7 Significant Of Study
Chapter Two
2.1 Who Is A Cooperator?
2.2 What Is A Co-Operative And Value?
2.3 What Is A Co-Operative Society?
2.4 Co-Operative Values
2.5 Types Of Co-Operative Societies
2.6 Consumer Co-Operative
2.7 Agricultural Co-Operative
2.8 Productive/Producer Co-Operative
2.9 Classification Of Co-Operatives Societies
4.1 According To Functions
4.2 According To The Economic Status Of Members Of The Society.
4.3 According To The Sector Of The Economy In Which The Societies Are Engaged.
4.4 According To The Number Of Function Carried Out By The Societies.
4.5 According To The Level Of Operation Of The Societies.
4.6 According To The Area Of Operation
4.7 According To The Legal Status Of Societies
4.8 According To The Liability Of The Members On Liquidation Of The Societies.
4.9 According To The Level Of Integration Or The Functional Link Between The Members Enterprises Or Households And The Co-Operative Enterprises.
4.10 According To The Degree Of Autonomy
4.11 According To The Sex Of Members
4.12 According To The Envisaged Duration Of The Societies
4.13 According To The Size Of The Societies
4.14 According To The Functional State Of The Societies
4.15 According To The Nature Of Goods Produce
2.5 Structure Of Co-Operative Societies
2.1 Primary Co-Operative Societies
2.2 Secondary Co-Operative Societies
2.3 Tertiary Co-Operative Societies
2.4 Co-Operative Management Structure
2.5 Tools Of Control
2.6 Principle Of Co-Operation
2.7 Motives For Joining Or Forming Co-Operatives
2.1 Economic Motives
2.2 Sociological/Emotional Motives
2.3 External Pressure
2.8 Factors Which Influence The Formation Of Co-Operative
2.9 Ten Steps Of Organizing A Viable Co-Operative Societies
Chapter Three
3.0 Research Methods And Procedures
3.1 Research Design
3.2 Sampling
3.3 Description Of The Research Instrument
3.4 Method Of Communication Of The Research
3.5 Field Work
Chapter Four
4.0 Data Presentation And Analysis
4.1 Introduction
4.2 Data Presentation
Chapter Five
5.1 Summary
5.2 Finding
5.3 Conclusion
5.4 Recommendation
5.5 Reference
Bibliography
1.0 INTRODUCTION
1.1 Statement of Research Problem
How to organize a viable Co-operative Society.
1.2 Purpose of the Study:
Co-operative Society is a dynamic and viable business set-up, it has unique ideologies that under bind the movement and distinguishes them from other form of business.
However, it should be viable in order to carry her duties and responsibility very effective and efficiently.
The purpose of the study are as follows:
i) To create a sound form or ways or steps of organizing a viable co-operative society.
1.3 Background of the Study:
Co-operative is an autonomous association of persons united voluntarily to meet their common economic, social and cultural needs and aspirations through a joint owned and democratically controlled enterprise.
Organizing a viable co-operative societies enables the society to last long and function effectively and efficiently. Co-operative itself started from creation. In fact, co-operative is as old as man. One Igbo-man has a proverb which buttress this more, “when a man is in difficulty, he seeks for help from another but when animal is, she cannot turn to another.”
In organization a viable co-operative society, there are (10) Ten steps which one must or have to follow before its/her society will be viable.
These very (10) Ten steps are short listed in the Nigerian Co-operative Society’s Decree of 1993. By Osita Obodoechi on the Cobwebs of Co-operation, 2002, P; 2.
1.4 THEORITICAL FOUNDATION OF THE STUDY.
During the colonial days, the seed of Co-operation was sown but it could only grow slowly. At this point, co-operative were restricted to serve only the interest of the paymaster (the white man). Co-operatives, then, were not allowed to grow or expand to the hinterlands.
In Nigeria, the first hint on co-operative emergency occurred during the 1st world war. This Co-operative, which happen to be a consumer was modeled along the Rochdale of England, home of the colonialist. This earliest co-operative society existed to reform out consumer goods which was very scarce during the world war. Soon after the war ended, the consumer co-operative died a natural death. It is said that there are many co-operatives in Enugu state which has encountered natural death due to one problem or the other.
Thus, any co-operative society that is viable will not experience natural death. But can only shake not death. This problem might be due to lack of adequate management, fraud, lack of training, lack of truthfulness (uncelleurity), not following the appropriate steps, etc.
However, co-operatives ought to be viable mother to carry-out her obligation effectively and efficiently.
1.5 Research Question.
i. Who is a co-operator?
ii. What is co-operative?
iii. Classification of Co-operatives.
iv. Structures of Co-operatives.
v. Motives for joining Co-operatives.
vi. Factors which affect the formation of Co-operatives.
vii. The viable steps in forming Co-operative societies.
1.6 LIMITATION OF THE STUDY
In an attempt to produce this work, the researcher faced several handicaps which include lack of materials and inadequacy of data. I based my project on the Nigerian co-operative societies in which Enugu turns to be part of it.
The study covers who is a co-operator, what a co-operative, types of co-operative, classification of co-operative, structure of co-operative, principles of co-operative, motives for joining co-operative, factors which effect the formation of co-operative, 10 steps a co-operative society must follow so as to make her viable and productive, etc.
The director should work towards to achieve a viable co-operative society which enables him to improve the economic well-being of their members.
This project is serving as a term paper bases on secondary information then the scope is not versed. It is centered on the co-operative societies here in Enugu state.
1.7 Significant of Study
This project work enables the society to know that viable co-operatives will help to improve the economic activities of the country or society. This research work will help equally the federal government to improve the societies, since it is the aim of the federal government to register co-operative societies.
By so doing, other unviable co-operative will benefit from it. Viability will benefit of co-operative is an indispensable element/feature in co-operative development which should not be under rated.
The Ten (10) steps stipulates the best way for any co-operative to be viable as long as she wants to be.
How To Organize A Viable Cooperative Society:
Organizing a viable cooperative society involves several steps to ensure its success and sustainability. A cooperative society is a member-owned and member-operated business entity that can serve various purposes, such as agricultural production, housing, consumer goods, or services. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to organize one:
- Identify the Purpose and Objectives:
- Determine the specific purpose and goals of the cooperative society. What needs or issues will it address? What benefits will it provide to its members?
- Conduct a Feasibility Study:
- Research and analyze the market demand for your cooperative’s products or services.
- Assess the potential challenges, competition, and regulatory requirements.
- Determine the financial viability and resource requirements.
- Assemble a Core Group:
- Recruit individuals who are interested in the cooperative’s mission and are willing to contribute time, skills, and resources.
- Establish a founding committee or board of directors to guide the initial setup process.
- Develop a Business Plan:
- Create a comprehensive business plan that outlines your cooperative’s structure, goals, operational strategies, and financial projections.
- Include a clear governance structure, membership requirements, and decision-making processes.
- Legal Registration:
- Choose an appropriate legal structure for your cooperative society. Common options include a cooperative society under local cooperative laws, a limited liability company (LLC), or another legal entity suitable for your region and purpose.
- Register your cooperative with the relevant government authorities and comply with all legal requirements.
- Membership Recruitment:
- Define membership criteria and eligibility.
- Recruit members who share a common interest and vision for the cooperative.
- Develop a membership application process and fee structure.
- Equity and Capitalization:
- Determine the capital requirements for starting and operating the cooperative.
- Encourage members to contribute equity through membership fees, share purchases, or other means.
- Seek external funding sources if necessary, such as loans or grants.
- Governance and Decision-Making:
- Establish a democratic governance structure, including a board of directors and member meetings.
- Define voting rights, roles, and responsibilities of members and directors.
- Develop transparent decision-making processes.
- Operations and Management:
- Hire qualified managers or administrators to oversee day-to-day operations.
- Develop policies and procedures for various aspects of the cooperative, including marketing, finance, and member services.
- Marketing and Promotion:
- Create a marketing plan to promote the cooperative’s products or services.
- Build relationships with potential customers, suppliers, and partners.
- Develop branding and communication strategies to attract and retain members.
- Financial Management:
- Implement robust financial management practices, including budgeting, accounting, and reporting.
- Monitor financial performance and ensure transparency with members.
- Training and Education:
- Offer training and education programs for members to enhance their skills and knowledge about the cooperative and its industry.
- Continuous Evaluation and Improvement:
- Regularly assess the cooperative’s performance, adherence to its mission, and member satisfaction.
- Make adjustments and improvements based on feedback and changing circumstances.
Remember that organizing a cooperative society requires dedication, collaboration, and ongoing effort. Building a strong, sustainable cooperative may take time, but with careful planning and commitment, it can be a viable and beneficial entity for its members and the community it serves.