AJAYI POLYTECHNIC, IKERE EKITI,

EKITI STATE

Cooperative society is the pulling together resources

to achieve predetermined objectives or goals

Submitted by:

Sunday Hannah Oluwabunkunmi

DEPARTMENT: Public Administration

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INTRODUCTION
A cooperative is a member-owned and member-controlled business organization
that operates for the benefit of its members. It is a democratic enterprise that is
founded on the principles of cooperation, self-help, and mutual aid. Cooperatives
can be formed by individuals or organizations with a common goal or interest,
and can operate in various sectors such as:
- Agriculture
- Consumer goods
- Housing
- Healthcare
- Finance
- Education
- Energy

The core principles of a cooperative include:

1. Voluntary and open membership

2. Democratic member control
3. Member economic participation
4. Autonomy and independence
5. Education, training, and information
6. Cooperation among cooperatives
7. Concern for community

Cooperatives aim to:

- Improve the economic and social well-being of members
- Provide goods and services at competitive prices
- Promote social justice and equality
- Foster community development and engagement
Some benefits of cooperatives include:
- Member ownership and control
- Shared resources and expertise
- Increased bargaining power
- Improved access to markets and services
- Enhanced community involvement
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Cooperatives can take various forms, such as:
- Consumer cooperatives (e.g., grocery stores)
- Producer cooperatives (e.g., farming collectives)
- Worker cooperatives (e.g., worker-owned businesses)
- Housing cooperatives
- Credit unions (financial cooperatives)
Overall, cooperatives offer a unique and inclusive approach to business and
community development, prioritizing social responsibility and member benefits
alongside economic success.
There are several types of cooperatives, including:
*Consumer Cooperatives*: Owned and controlled by consumers, providing goods
and services at competitive prices. Examples: grocery stores, housing
cooperatives.
*Producer Cooperatives*: Owned and controlled by producers (farmers, artisans,
etc.), marketing and selling their products collectively. Examples: agricultural
cooperatives, craft cooperatives.
*Worker Cooperatives*: Owned and controlled by employee-members, who
share profits and decision-making responsibilities. Examples: worker-owned
businesses, cooperative banks.
*Housing Cooperatives*: Members own shares in a corporation that owns and
manages housing units.
*Credit Unions*: Financial cooperatives providing banking services to members.
*Agricultural Cooperatives*: Farmers work together to market and sell products,
share resources, and provide services.
*Marketing Cooperatives*: Members pool resources to market and sell products
collectively.
*Purchasing Cooperatives*: Members pool resources to purchase goods and
services at di
scounted rates.

*Service Cooperatives*: Provide services like healthcare, education, and energy to

members.

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*Social Cooperatives*: Address social needs like childcare, eldercare, and
community development.
*Environmental Cooperatives*: Focus on sustainable practices, conservation, and
environmental protection.
*Energy Cooperatives*: Member-owned utilities providing energy services.
*Telecommunications Cooperatives*: Member-owned providers of internet,
phone, and TV services.
*Transportation Cooperatives*: Member-owned transportation services, like car-
sharing or ride-sharing.
*Healthcare Cooperatives*: Member-owned healthcare providers, insurers, or
advocacy groups.
These categories often overlap, and cooperatives may serve multiple purposes,
but this list represents the main types of cooperatives.

Resources
Resources refer to the assets, materials, and services available to a cooperative or
organization to achieve its objectives. The following are some examples of
resources:

1. Financial resources (funding, budget, etc.)

2. Human resources (members, employees, volunteers, etc.)

3. Material resources (equipment, supplies, buildings, etc.)

4. Technological resources (hardware, software, internet, etc.)

5. Natural resources (land, water, energy, etc.)

6. Informational resources (data, knowledge, expertise, etc.)

7. Network resources (connections, partnerships, collaborations, etc.)

8. Physical resources (vehicles, furniture, fixtures, etc.)

9. Intellectual resources (patents, copyrights, trademarks, etc.)

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10. Social resources (reputation, goodwill, social capital, etc.)

Effective management and allocation of resources are crucial for a cooperative's

success, as it enables them to:

1. Achieve their goals and objectives

2. Maximize efficiency and productivity

3. Minimize costs and waste

4. Enhance member satisfaction and engagement

5. Build strong relationships with stakeholders

6. Adapt to change and innovate

7. Ensure sustainability and long-term success

8. Improve decision-making and problem-solving

9. Foster a positive organizational culture

10. Enhance overall performance and impact.

Financial Resources
Financial resources refer to the funds and assets available to a cooperative or
organization to achieve its objectives. These resources can come from various
sources, including:
1. _Member equity_: Contributions from members, such as share capital or
membership fees.
2. _Retained earnings_: Profits reinvested in the cooperative rather than
distributed to members.
3. _Loans and credit_: Borrowed funds from banks, credit unions, or other
lenders.
4. _Grants and subsidies_: Funding from government programs, foundations, or
other organizations.
5. _Investments_: Returns on investments, such as dividends or interest.
6. _Fundraising events_: Proceeds from events, campaigns, or donations.

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7. _Sponsorships and partnerships_: Funding or resources provided by partner
organizations.
8. _Government programs_: Funding or support from government initiatives or
agencies.
9. _Crowdfunding_: Online platforms for raising funds from a large number of
people.
10. _Asset sales_: Proceeds from the sale of assets, such as property or
equipment.
Effective management of financial resources is crucial for a cooperative's success,
involving:
1. _Budgeting and planning_
2. _Financial reporting and accounting_
3. _Investment and risk management_
4. _Cash flow management_
5. _Fundraising and grant writing_
6. _Loan and credit management_
7. _Tax compliance and planning_
8. _Auditing and financial oversight_
By securing and managing financial resources efficiently, cooperatives can achieve
their goals, serve their members, and contribute to the community.

Material Resources
Material resources refer to the physical assets and materials needed to operate
and achieve the objectives of a cooperative or organization. These resources can
include:
1. _Land and buildings_: Ownership or rental of physical spaces for operations,
meetings, and activities.
2. _Equipment and machinery_: Tools, vehicles, and technology necessary for
production, services, or operations.
3. _Inventory and supplies_: Goods, materials, and consumables used in
production, sales, or services.
4. _Furniture and fixtures_: Assets used to furnish and equip offices, meeting
spaces, and other areas.

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5. _Vehicles and transportation_: Cars, trucks, vans, or other vehicles used for
business purposes.
6. _Computers and technology_: Hardware, software, and digital tools for
communication, data management, and operations.
7. _Energy and utilities_: Electricity, water, gas, internet, and other essential
services.
8. _Raw materials and inputs_: Resources used in production, such as seeds,
fertilizers, or manufacturing components.
9. _Packaging and shipping materials_: Resources used to prepare and transport
products.
10. _Office supplies and consumables_: Paper, ink, toner, and other materials
used in daily operations.
Effective management of material resources involves:
1. _Inventory management_
2. _Maintenance and repair_
3. _Upgrades and replacement_
4. _Efficient use and conservation_
5. _Sourcing and procurement_
6. _Storage and organization_
7. _Security and protection_
8. _Disposal and recycling_
By optimizing material resources, cooperatives can reduce costs, improve
efficiency, and enhance their overall performance.

Human Resources
Human resources refer to the people who work for or are involved with a
cooperative or organization, including:
1. _Members_: Owners and users of the cooperative's services or products.
2. _Employees_: Staff hired to manage, operate, and support the cooperative.
3. _Volunteers_: Individuals who contribute time and skills without
compensation.
4. _Managers_: Leaders responsible for strategic planning, decision-making, and
oversight.

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5. _Board of Directors_: Elected or appointed members who govern and guide the
cooperative.
6. _Committee members_: Volunteers who serve on committees focused on
specific areas like finance, marketing, or education.
7. _Advisors and consultants_: External experts providing guidance and support.
8. _Partners and collaborators_: Individuals or organizations working together on
projects or initiatives.
9. _Customers and clients_: Those who purchase or use the cooperative's
products or services.
10. _Community stakeholders_: Local residents, organizations, and businesses
impacted by the cooperative's activities.
Effective human resource management involves:
1. _Recruitment and hiring_
2. _Training and development_
3. _Performance management and evaluation_
4. _Communication and engagement_
5. _Leadership and governance_
6. _Conflict resolution and mediation_
7. _Diversity, equity, and inclusion_
8. _Employee benefits and wellness_
9. _Succession planning and leadership development_
10. _Member and customer relations_
By valuing and supporting human resources, cooperatives can build a strong,
motivated team and achieve their goals.

Management Resources
Management resources refer to the skills, expertise, and systems used to plan,
organize, lead, and control an organization or cooperative. These resources are
essential for effective management and include:
1. Strategic planning and goal-setting
2. Leadership and decision-making
3. Communication and interpersonal skills
4. Financial management and budgeting
5. Human resource management and development
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6. Marketing and sales expertise
7. Operational and production management
8. Risk management and problem-solving
9. Time management and productivity
10. Technology and information systems
11. Performance measurement and evaluation
12. Change management and innovation
13. Stakeholder engagement and partnership
14. Governance and compliance
15. Continuous learning and professional development
Effective management resources enable cooperatives to:
1. Achieve their goals and objectives
2. Make informed decisions
3. Manage finances effectively
4. Develop and engage employees
5. Build strong relationships with members and stakeholders
6. Adapt to change and innovate
7. Measure and improve performance
8. Ensure compliance and governance
9. Foster a positive organizational culture
10. Achieve sustainability and long-term success
By leveraging these management resources, cooperatives can enhance their
overall performance, efficiency, and impact.
Objectives
Objectives are specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound
(SMART) goals that an organization or cooperative aims to accomplish. Objectives
are essential for:
1. Clarity and focus
2. Decision-making and resource allocation
3. Performance measurement and evaluation
4. Motivation and engagement
5. Strategic planning and direction
6. Communication and stakeholder alignment
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7. Prioritization and resource optimization
8. Risk management and mitigation
9. Innovation and improvement
10. Success and sustainability
Examples of objectives for a cooperative might include:
1. Increase member engagement by 20% within the next 6 months
2. Achieve a 15% increase in sales revenue within the next year
3. Reduce energy consumption by 30% within the next 12 months
4. Launch a new product or service within the next 9 months
5. Enhance employee training and development programs by 25% within the next
18 months
6. Improve customer satisfaction ratings by 10% within the next 12 months
7. Expand into new markets or regions within the next 24 months
8. Increase community involvement and social responsibility initiatives by 20%
within the next 12 months
9. Develop and implement a comprehensive marketing strategy within the next 6
months
10. Strengthen partnerships and collaborations with other organizations by 30%
within the next 18 months
By setting clear objectives, cooperatives can work towards common goals,
measure progress, and achieve success.

Goals
Goals are specific, desired outcomes or achievements that an individual or
organization strives to accomplish. Goals are important because they:
1. Provide direction and focus
2. Motivate and inspire action
3. Help prioritize resources and efforts
4. Enable measurement and evaluation of progress
5. Encourage innovation and improvement
6. Build confidence and self-esteem
7. Foster teamwork and collaboration
8. Enhance accountability and responsibility
9. Promote learning and development

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10. Drive success and achievement
Types of goals:
1. Short-term goals (achieved in a short period, e.g., days, weeks, months)
2. Long-term goals (achieved over an extended period, e.g., years, decades)
3. Strategic goals (aligned with an organization's mission and vision)
4. Tactical goals (supporting strategic goals with specific actions)
5. Personal goals (individual aspirations and objectives)
6. Team goals (shared objectives for a group or team)
7. Organizational goals (company-wide objectives)
8. Social goals (benefiting society or the community)
9. Environmental goals (related to sustainability and conservation)
10. Financial goals (related to revenue, profitability, or financial stability)
Examples of goals for a cooperative might include:
1. Increase member engagement and participation
2. Expand product or service offerings
3. Improve customer satisfaction and loyalty
4. Enhance employee training and development
5. Increase market share and competitiveness
6. Strengthen community relationships and social responsibility
7. Achieve financial stability and sustainability
8. Improve operational efficiency and productivity
9. Enhance innovation and entrepreneurship
10. Strengthen governance and leadership.

Society
Society refers to a group of individuals who share a common culture, values,
beliefs, and institutions, and interact with one another within a defined territory
or digital space. Societies can be characterized by:
1. Culture: Shared customs, traditions, and values.
2. Social structure: Hierarchical or egalitarian relationships among members.
3. Institutions: Family, education, religion, government, economy.
4. Interdependence: Mutual reliance and cooperation among members.
5. Shared goals and values: Common objectives and principles.

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6. Social norms: Unwritten rules governing behavior and interactions.
7. Diversity: Variation in individual characteristics, beliefs, and lifestyles.
8. Inequality: Differences in wealth, power, and access to resources.
9. Conflict: Disagreements and tensions among members or groups.
10. Change: Evolution and adaptation over time.
Examples of societies include:
1. Local communities (towns, cities, villages)
2. National societies (countries, nations)
3. Global society (international relations, global culture)
4. Digital societies (online communities, social media networks)
5. Cultural societies (ethnic groups, religious communities)
6. Economic societies (markets, industries, trade networks)
7. Political societies (governments, political parties, interest groups)
8. Educational societies (schools, universities, academic communities)
9. Religious societies (churches, mosques, synagogues, temples)
10. Civil society (non-governmental organizations, charities, advocacy groups)
Societies can be analyzed through various disciplines, including sociology,
anthropology, psychology, economics, political science, and history.
Management
Management refers to the process of planning, organizing, leading, and
controlling resources to achieve specific goals and objectives. Effective
management involves:
1. Setting clear goals and objectives
2. Planning and strategizing
3. Organizing and allocating resources
4. Leading and motivating teams
5. Controlling and monitoring performance
6. Making informed decisions
7. Solving problems and adapting to change
8. Building and maintaining relationships
9. Communicating effectively
10. Continuously improving and learning
Management can be applied to various aspects of an organization, including:
1. Human resources (HRM)
2. Operations management
3. Marketing and sales

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4. Financial management
5. Supply chain management
6. Project management
7. Risk management
8. Quality management
9. Innovation and entrepreneurship
10. International management
Some key management theories and concepts include:
1. Taylorism (scientific management)
2. Fayolism (administrative management)
3. Weber's bureaucracy
4. Maslow's hierarchy of needs
5. Herzberg's two-factor theory
6. McGregor's theory X and Y
7. Contingency theory
8. Systems theory
9. Chaos theory
10. Lean management

Effective management is crucial for achieving success in various fields, including

business, healthcare, education, government, and non-profit organizations.

Benefits
Benefits refer to the advantages or positive outcomes of a particular situation,
decision, or action. In the context of management, benefits can include:
1. Improved efficiency and productivity
2. Enhanced employee engagement and motivation
3. Increased customer satisfaction and loyalty
4. Better decision-making and problem-solving
5. Improved communication and collaboration
6. Increased innovation and creativity
7. Enhanced reputation and brand image
8. Improved financial performance and profitability
9. Better adaptability and resilience in a changing environment
10. Improved quality of products or services
In the context of employees, benefits can include:
1. Competitive salary and compensation packages
2. Comprehensive health insurance and wellness programs
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3. Generous paid time off and vacation policies
4. Opportunities for professional development and growth
5. Flexible work arrangements and work-life balance
6. Recognition and rewards for outstanding performance
7. A positive and supportive work environment
8. Access to employee assistance programs and mental health resources
9. Retirement plans and financial security
10. A sense of purpose and meaning in work
In the context of customers, benefits can include:
1. High-quality products or services that meet their needs
2. Competitive pricing and value for money
3. Convenient and efficient customer service
4. Personalized and tailored solutions
5. Access to exclusive rewards and loyalty programs
6. Opportunities for feedback and input
7. Transparent and honest communication
8. Reliable and consistent performance
9. Innovative and cutting-edge solutions
10. A positive and memorable customer experience.

Challenge
A challenge is a difficult or demanding situation that requires effort, skill, and
determination to overcome. Challenges can be:
1. Personal (e.g., learning a new skill, overcoming a fear)
2. Professional (e.g., meeting a tight deadline, managing a team)
3. Physical (e.g., completing a marathon, recovering from an injury)
4. Mental (e.g., managing stress, overcoming anxiety)
5. Social (e.g., building relationships, navigating conflicts)
6. Environmental (e.g., reducing waste, conserving resources)
7. Technological (e.g., learning new software, troubleshooting issues)
8. Financial (e.g., managing debt, saving for a goal)
9. Creative (e.g., writing a book, composing music)
10. Ethical (e.g., making tough decisions, standing up for what's right)
Challenges can have many benefits, such as:
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1. Building resilience and perseverance
2. Developing new skills and knowledge
3. Boosting confidence and self-esteem
4. Fostering creativity and innovation
5. Encouraging personal growth and self-awareness
6. Strengthening relationships and teamwork
7. Promoting adaptability and flexibility
8. Enhancing problem-solving and critical thinking
9. Encouraging learning from failure and setbacks
10. Developing a sense of accomplishment and pride.
By embracing challenges, individuals and organizations can grow, learn, and
succeed in the face of adversity.
Success stories of cooperatives include:
1. Mondragon Corporation (Spain): A multinational cooperative with over 70,000
member-owners, operating in finance, industry, and retail.

2. John Lewis Partnership (UK): A retail cooperative with over 80,000 member-
owners, known for its employee ownership and high customer satisfaction.

3. REI (USA): A consumer cooperative with over 20 million member-owners,

specializing in outdoor gear and apparel.

4. Arup (UK): A global engineering and consulting cooperative with over 16,000
member-owners.

5. Desjardins Group (Canada): A financial cooperative with over 7 million

member-owners, operating in banking, insurance, and wealth management.

6. Eroski (Spain): A retail cooperative with over 1 million member-owners,

operating in supermarkets, hypermarkets, and fuel stations.

7. Fonterra (New Zealand): A dairy cooperative with over 10,000 member-owners,

exporting to over 100 countries.

8. Crédit Agricole (France): A financial cooperative with over 50,000 member-

owners, operating in banking and insurance.

9. Coop Danmark (Denmark): A retail cooperative with over 1.6 million member-
owners, operating in supermarkets and hypermarkets.
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10. Land O'Lakes (USA): An agricultural cooperative with over 9,000 member-
owners, operating in dairy, eggs, and crop production.

These success stories demonstrate the potential of cooperatives to achieve scale,

profitability, and social impact while prioritizing member ownership and control.

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