The Application of the International Co-operative Principles by the Thai Cooperative Enterprises: The Experiences and the Future Improvement
Keywords:
Cooperative, cooperative principles, determining of the cooperative’s success, independence and autonomy of the cooperativeAbstract
The purpose of the study was to establish to what extent Thai co-operatives are conforming to the seven International Co-operative Principles. Information was collected through mixed method research, gathering both qualitative and quantitative data. Qualitative data were collected via interview from 30 knowledgeable experienced stakeholders of Thai co-operatives, with information recorded for later analysis. Quantitative data were collected via a survey involving 300 co-operative organisations from seven categories of enterprise, taking relevant samples, and was analysed together with the data from interviews with member stakeholders. Analysis also utilised descriptive statistics, namely: frequency, percentages, averages, and standard deviation.
Results revealed that Thai co-operatives were in compliance with all seven principles to a reasonably high standard in the following order of statistical significance: 2nd (highest), 7th, 1st, 3rd, 4th, 5th, and 6th (lowest). From these findings, it is recommended that Thai co-operative leaders strive for continued improvements, developing higher standards and consistency among their members and staff to achieve greater parity with the International Principles and the worldwide co-operative business community. This can be facilitated through better education, extension of knowledge, personal development, and encouragement for staff and members. It is also suggested that the government provide additional support for co-operatives in working together to achieve a common goal.
References
Assawongsatien, S., Sorachart, K., Moodum, R. (2017) The roles and the risk of thrift and credit co-operative. Retrieved January 22, 2018, from https://www.pier.or.th/?abridged
Birchall, J. (2005). Co-operative principles ten years on. Retrieved May 9, 2017, from https://www.researchgate.net/publication/288884527_Cooperative_principles_ten_years_on
Chancheongpanich, J. (2015). Concrete solutions to Thai cooperatives. Retrieved May 16, 201, from library2.parliament.go.th/ebook/content-issue/2558/hi2558-041.pdf.
Chloupkova, J. (2002). European co-operative movement: Background and common denominator. Retrieved June 9, 2019, from. https://pdfs.semanticscholar.org/34ad/655399356dab3ff9a930b149bafd68ad1ffe.pdf?_ga=2.150633846.1311711456.1570723447-1273831951.1570723447
Christianson, R. (2014). Tools to measure co-operative performance and impact. Retrieved August 15, 2019, from http://cultivatingfoodcoops.net/wp2012/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/Concurrent-Session-1-Co-operative-Sustainability-Scorecard.pdf
Cooperative Auditing Department. (2014). Cooperative net profit allocated the Year 2014. Retrieved May 17, 2017, from https://www.cad.go.th/ewt_news.php?nid=23363&filename=index
Cooperative Development Plan. (2003). Cooperative development plan (2003-2006). Retrieved May 17, 2017, from www.cai.ku.ac.th/download/arg_dev4649.doc
Cooperative Promotion Department. (2018). The information of co-operative in Thailand: 2018. Bangkok: Cooperative Promotion Department.
Duguid & Fiona. (2017). Non- financial tools and indicators for measuring the impact of cooperatives. Journal of Co-operative Accounting and Reporting, 5 (1), 40-54.
Fici, A. (2012). Cooperative identity and the law Retrieved January 4, 2019, from https://pdfs.semanticscholar.org/8c71/eec810eb101b3e8125e6fac499b6d62f4b53.pdf
Hachawanich, D. & Chalarom, C. (2011). Thai cooperative structure. University of Thai Chamber of Commerce Journal, 31(2), 99-113.
International Labor Organization. (2001). Report V (1) Promotion of cooperatives in international labour conference 89th session. Retrieved May 24, 2019, from www. ilo.org/public/english/standards/relm/ilc/ilc89/pdf/rep-iii-1b.pdf
International Cooperative Alliance. (1996). Background paper to the statement on the cooperative identity. Retrieved May 24, 2019, from https://www.academia.edu/6524851/Background_Paper_to_the_Statement_on_the_Cooperative_Identity
International Co-operative Alliance. (2015). Guidance notes to the co-operative principles. Brussels: International Co-operative Alliance.
Kornyeunyong, N. (2011). Cooperative principle and practice. Bangkok: Faculty Of Economics of Kasetsart University.
Kunhu, S. & Venugopalan. (2011). Co-operative theory principle & practice. Retrieved March 22, 2019, from www.universityofcalicut.info/SDE/co_operative_theory.pdf
MacPherson, I. (1995). Co-operative principles for the 21st century, Geneva: International Cooperative Alliance.
Nembhard. G, J. (2004). Non-traditional analyses of co-operative economic impacts: preliminary indicators and a case study. Review of International Co-operation, 79 (1), 6-20.
Pudsayanun, D. (2005). How do Thai co-operative survive? Academic Service Journal, 13 (3), 46-51.
Ratchattranon, W., Laoarbhorm, C., Rojanaphun, W., & Chuseaoheung, J. (2017). Restructuring of the Cooperative League of Thailand. Political Review, 4 (2), 65-82.
Shaw, L. (2006). Overview of corporate governance issues for co-operatives. Retrieved September 23, 2019, from https://www.ifc.org/wps/wcm/connect/3aa7450048a7e6f1a93fef6060ad5911/GCGF_Discussion_Paper_Corporate_Governance_Issues_for_Cooperatives_070108.pdf?MOD=AJPERES
Tchami, G. (2007). Handbook on cooperatives for use by worker’s organization. Geneva: International Labour Organization.
Zeuli, A.K. & Cropp, R. (2004). Cooperative: Principle and practice in the 21st century. Retrieved March 22, 2019, from learningstore.uwex.edu/assets/pdfs/A1457.pdf.
