| چکیده انگلیسی مقاله |
Abstract
This research aimed to examine the prioritization of strengthening factors for livestock cooperatives in Kerman Province. It was classified as applied research and employed a descriptive survey method of a correlational nature. The statistical population of the study comprised 47 industrial, semi-industrial, and rural livestock cooperatives in Kerman Province. Data were collected using a researcher-designed questionnaire, which demonstrated a reliability coefficient of 0.87 as confirmed by Cronbach's alpha. Results from the Friedman test indicated that the variables of management and economic environment with the average ratings of 4.73 and 3.50 were the most influential factors, respectively. Conversely, the variable of education with an average rating of 1.00 was deemed the least effective. Among the factors contributing to the decline of livestock cooperatives, the most significant was related to the economic environment, specifically the availability of government credits and facilities, which received an average rating of 3.73. Additionally, within the realm of personal factors, the motivation for producing livestock products rated at 3.70 was identified as crucial. For the socio-cultural dimension, the members' belief in the cooperative philosophy scored an average of 4.85, highlighting its importance. Furthermore, the variable of management emphasized the CEO's prior experience in achieving company goals, which received a ranking of 4.98. Lastly, the statistical variable concerning participation in training courses with an average ranking of 2.32 was identified as a key factor for the variables discussed.
Keywords: Economic Development, Livestock Cooperatives, Strengthening Factors.
Introduction
The primary goal of all developing countries is to achieve employment, social welfare, and sustainable development, thereby alleviating poverty and unemployment and fostering human prosperity within their communities. To this end, governments adopt various growth and development theories and models tailored to the specific temporal and spatial conditions they face. A central objective of cooperatives is to expand productive employment and reduce unemployment by creating jobs through investment. In many countries, including our own, a major aim of development is to decrease unemployment and enhance job opportunities. In this context, livestock production cooperatives offer a viable approach to achieving both economic and social development while promoting social justice. As outlined in Article 44 of the Constitution, cooperatives operate across various economic sectors and are recognized as essential pillars of the national economic system. Consequently, livestock cooperatives can serve as a catalyst for rural economic development, significantly contributing to livestock, agricultural, and rural economies. However, numerous challenges hinder the development and success of livestock cooperatives in rural areas. Kerman Province with its considerable economic reliance on agriculture and animal husbandry highlights the vital role cooperatives play as a significant economic sector both locally and nationally. Given the extensive economic, social, political, administrative, cultural, managerial, and environmental challenges, prioritizing cooperatives is crucial for addressing economic issues effectively. This study aimed to identify and prioritize the factors that strengthened industrial and rural livestock cooperatives in Kerman Province.
Materials & Methods
This research was classified as applied research in terms of its objectives and it followed a descriptive-analytical and correlational approach. To gather information, both library studies and field surveys (via questionnaires) were conducted within the study area. The statistical population for this study comprised 47 units of industrial, semi-industrial, and rural livestock cooperatives in Kerman Province. Given the small size of this population, a census method was employed. The questionnaire consisted of 5 variables and 26 items, each corresponding to specific factors. The reliability of the questions was assessed using Cronbach's alpha method, resulting in a coefficient of 0.87.
The statistical methods and techniques employed for data analysis were facilitated by SPSS software as outlined below:
a) The Kolmogorov-Smirnov test was used to assess the normality of the data. b) Descriptive statistics were applied to prioritize the reinforcing variables for livestock cooperatives. c) The Friedman rank test was utilized to rank the factors that strengthened livestock cooperatives.
Based on the literature and preliminary surveys, 5 key factors were identified: (a) economic, (b) personality, (c) socio-cultural, (d) management, and (e) education.
Research Findings
In this study, the Kolmogorov-Smirnov test was employed to assess the normality of the data. The results indicated that the main variables did not follow a normal distribution as the significance levels for all variables were less than 0.05. Consequently, the hypothesis of normality was rejected, confirming that the data exhibited a non-normal distribution.
For the economic environment factors, access to government credits and facilities for cooperatives emerged as the most significant factor with a mean rank of 3.73. In contrast, long-term investment in cooperatives was deemed the least significant factor with a mean rank of 1.93. Thus, at a 99% confidence level, it could be stated that the factors related to the economic environment did not share identical ranks.
Regarding personality factors, motivation for producing livestock products was identified as the most significant factor with a mean rank of 3.70. Conversely, the degree of flexibility in work within cooperatives was the least significant personality factor with a mean rank of 3.03. Again, at a 99% confidence level, it could be concluded that the personality-related factors did not have identical ranks.
In terms of socio-cultural factors, the members’ belief in the philosophy of cooperation within livestock cooperatives was the most significant factor with a mean rank of 4.85. On the other hand, the attention given to members' opinions was the least significant socio-cultural factor with a mean rank of 2.72. At a 99% confidence level, it could be concluded that the indicators related to socio-cultural aspects did not share identical ranks.
For the management factors, the impact of the CEO's previous experience on achieving company goals stood out as the most significant factor with a mean rank of 4.98 within the management variable of livestock cooperatives in Kerman Province. In contrast, the influence of the CEO's and board members' responses to cooperative members was the least significant factor with a mean rank of 3.47. At a 99% confidence level, it could be concluded that the management-related factors did not share identical ranks.
Regarding training factors, access to training courses was identified as the most significant factor with a mean rank of 2.32 within the management variable of livestock cooperatives in Kerman Province. Conversely, the impact of CEO training on the organization was the least significant indicator with a mean rank of 1.82. Thus, at a 99% confidence level, it could be concluded that the training-related factors did not share identical ranks.
Based on the prioritization results of the factors that strengthened livestock cooperatives, the variable of management with a mean rank of 4.73 was deemed the most effective. In contrast, the variable of training with a mean rank of 1.00 was identified as the least effective factor among those strengthening livestock cooperatives. The findings from the Friedman test indicated that the prioritization of the factors (economic environment, personality, socio-cultural, management, training) did not exhibit the same rank or importance in the studied region.
Discussion of Results & Conclusion
The aim of this research was to examine the prioritization of factors that strengthened industrial and rural livestock cooperatives in Kerman Province. To achieve this objective, the Friedman method was employed. The positive aspects of the economic environment, personality, socio-cultural factors, management, and training identified in the study contribute significantly to enhancing the culture and diversifying livestock products.
The findings indicated that management played the most critical role in strengthening livestock cooperatives. Saksawang (1990) noted that effective management of individuals was essential for the success of cooperatives. Similarly, Adrian and Green (2001) emphasized the importance of managerial skills and the relationship between members and managers in reinforcing cooperative structures. The economic environment identified as the second most significant factor greatly influenced the success of cooperatives, particularly given their constraints regarding financial resources. A favorable economic environment—including macroeconomic conditions, monetary policy, and access to domestic and foreign financing for small and medium cooperatives—is vital for ensuring the success of livestock cooperatives (Suvittawat, 2019; Havierniková & Kordoš, 2019). Increased financial support from the government and financial institutions also plays a crucial role in the success of cooperatives. Nair and Malekato (2015) confirmed the impact of government policies and economic conditions on cooperative advancement, stating that government budgets and economic capacity can enhance cooperatives' ability to alleviate poverty and create jobs within communities. Limited financial resources have been identified as a significant barrier to success as noted by Lal (2018), who highlighted that insufficient funding obstructs the effectiveness of cooperatives.
The third significant factor was the cultural and social aspect, which played a crucial role in strengthening livestock cooperatives. Key elements, such as members' attitudes towards cooperatives, communication and participation among members, and social trust were vital for reinforcing these organizations. Osterberg and Nielson (2009) confirmed that members' long-term commitment to teamwork, their dedication to the cooperative, and the mutual respect and trust between members and managers all contribute to the strength of cooperatives.
Based on the findings of this study, the following recommendations can be made: |