Cooperatives Organization, Concepts, Features, Types, Advantages and Disadvantages

Co-operative Organization is an association of persons, usually of limited means, who have vol­untarily joined together to achieve a common eco­nomic end through the formation of a democrati­cally controlled organization, making equitable dis­tributions to the capital required, and accepting a fair share of risk and benefits of the undertaking.

The word ‘co-operation’ stands for the idea of living together and working together. Cooperation is a form of business organization the only sys­tem of voluntary organization suitable for poorer people. It is an organization wherein persons vol­untarily associate together as human beings on a basis of equality, for the promotion of economic in­terests of themselves.

Characteristics/Features of Cooperative Organization:

1. Voluntary Association

A cooperative so­ciety is a voluntary association of persons and not of capital. Any person can join a cooperative soci­ety of his free will and can leave it at any time. When he leaves, he can withdraw his capital from the so­ciety. He cannot transfer his share to another person.

The voluntary character of the cooperative as­sociation has two implications:

(i) None will be denied the right to become a member and

(ii) The cooperative society will not compete anybody to become a member.

2. Spirit of Cooperation

The spirit of coop­eration works under the motto, ‘each for all and all for each.’ This means that every member of a co­operative organization shall work in the general interest of the organization as a whole and not for his self-interest. Under cooperation, service is of supreme importance and self-interest is of second­ary importance.

3. Democratic Management

An individual member is considered not as a capitalist but as a human being and under cooperation, economic equality is fully ensured by a general rule—one man one vote. Whether one contributes 50 rupees or 100 rupees as share capital, all enjoy equal rights and equal duties. A person having only one share can even become the president of cooperative society.

4. Capital

Capital of a cooperative society is raised from members through share capital. Coop­eratives are formed by relatively poorer sections of society; share capital is usually very limited. Since it is a part of govt. policy to encourage coopera­tives, a cooperative society can increase its capital by taking loans from the State and Central Coop­erative Banks.

5. Fixed Return on Capital

In a cooperative organization, we do not have the dividend hunting element. In a consumers’ cooperative store, return on capital is fixed and it is usually not more than 12 p.c. per annum. The surplus profits are distrib­uted in the form of bonus but it is directly connected with the amount of purchases by the member in one year.

6. Cash Sale

In a cooperative organization “cash and carry system” is a universal feature. In the absence of adequate capital, grant of credit is not possible. Cash sales also avoided risk of loss due to bad debts and it could also encourage the habit of thrift among the members.

7. Moral Emphasis

A cooperative organization generally originates in the poorer section of population; hence more emphasis is laid on the de­velopment of moral character of the individual member. The absence of capital is compensated by honesty, integrity and loyalty. Under cooperation, honesty is regarded as the best security. Thus co­operation prepares a band of honest and selfless workers for the good of humanity.

8. Corporate Status

A cooperative associa­tion has to be registered under the separate legisla­tion—Cooperative Societies Act. Every society must have at least 10 members. Registration is desirable. It gives a separate legal status to all cooperative organizations just like a company. It also gives ex­emptions and privileges under the Act.

Types of Cooperatives Company

1. Cooperative Credit Societies

Cooperative Credit Societies are voluntary associations of peo­ple with moderate means formed with the object of extending short-term financial accommodation to them and developing the habit of thrift among them.

Germany is the birth place of credit coopera­tion. Credit cooperation was born in the middle of the 19th century. Rural credit cooperative societies were started in the villages to solve the problem of agricultural finance.

The village societies were fed­erated into central cooperative banks and central cooperative banks federated into the apex of state cooperative banks. Thus rural cooperative finance has a federal structure like a pyramid. The primary society is the base. The central bank in the middle and the apex bank in the top of the structure. The members of the primary society are villagers.

In the similar manner urban cooperative credit societies were started in India. These urban coop­erative banks look after the financial needs of arti­sans and labour population of the towns. These urban cooperative banks are based on limited li­ability while the village cooperative societies are based on unlimited liability.

National Bank for Agriculture and Rural De­velopment (NABARD) has been established with an Authorised Capital of Rs. 500 crores. It will act as an Apex Agricultural Bank for disbursement of agricultural credit and for implementation of the programme of integrated rural development. It is jointly owned by the Central Govt. and the Reserve Bank of India.

2. Consumers’ Cooperative Societies

28 Rochedale Pioneers in Manchester in UK laid the foundation for the Consumers’ Cooperative Move­ment in 1844 and paved the way for a peaceful revo­lution. The Rochedale Pioneers who were mainly weavers, set an example by collective purchasing and distribution of consumer goods at bazar rates and for cash price and by declaration of bonus at the end of the year on the purchase made.

Their example has brought a revolution in the purchase and sale of consumer goods by eliminating profit motive and introducing in its place service motive. In India, consumers’ cooperatives have re­ceived impetus from the govt, attempts to check rise in prices of consumer goods.

3. Producers’ Cooperatives

Producers’ Cooperatives, also known as indus­trial cooperatives, are voluntary associations of small producers formed with the object of elimi­nating the capitalist class from the system of in­dustrial production. These societies produce goods for meeting the requirements of consumers. Some­times their production may be sold to outsiders at a profit.

There are two types of producers’ cooperatives. In the first type, producer-members produce indi­vidually and not as employees of the society. The society supplies raw materials, chemicals, tools and equipment’s to the members. The members are sup­posed to sell their individual products to the soci­ety.

In the second type of such societies, the member-producers are treated as employees of the soci­ety and are paid wages for their work.

4. Housing Cooperatives

Housing coopera­tives are formed by persons who are interested in making houses of their own. Such societies are formed mostly in urban areas. Through these soci­eties persons who want to have their own houses secure financial assistance.

5. Cooperative Farming Societies

The coop­erative farming societies are basically agricultural cooperatives formed for the purpose of achieving the benefits of large scale farming and maximizing agricultural output. Such societies are encouraged in India to overcome the difficulties of subdivision and fragmentation of holdings in the country.

Advantages of Cooperatives Company

1. Democratic Management

Cooperative organizations follow the principle of democratic control, where members generally have equal voting rights regardless of the amount of capital contributed. This promotes participation, equality, and collective decision-making. Members can elect representatives and influence important organizational policies. Democratic management reduces excessive concentration of power and encourages members to take an active interest in the cooperative’s activities. It also strengthens transparency, accountability, and trust between members and management, making the organization more responsive to the common needs and interests of its members.

2. Easy Formation

A cooperative organization is comparatively easy to establish because its formation generally requires a group of individuals with common economic or social interests. Members contribute capital according to their capacity and register the organization under applicable cooperative laws. Unlike large business organizations, cooperatives can often begin operations with relatively modest resources. Their simple formation encourages small producers, consumers, workers, and farmers to organize themselves and collectively undertake activities that may be difficult for individuals to perform independently.

3. Limited Liability

Members of a cooperative generally enjoy limited liability, meaning their financial responsibility is usually restricted to the amount they have agreed to contribute or invest in the cooperative. This provides members with protection against excessive personal financial risk arising from the organization’s operations. Limited liability makes cooperative membership more attractive and encourages individuals to participate without fearing unlimited losses. It also provides greater financial security to members while allowing the cooperative to undertake business activities for achieving common economic objectives.

4. Mutual Benefit

The primary objective of a cooperative is mutual benefit rather than maximizing profits for a small group of owners. Members join together to satisfy common economic, social, or professional needs. Cooperatives may provide goods at reasonable prices, secure better returns for producers, offer credit facilities, or provide other useful services. Surplus generated from operations may be distributed or utilized according to cooperative principles. This focus on mutual benefit promotes collective welfare, economic cooperation, and member satisfaction.

5. Elimination of Middlemen

Cooperatives can help reduce dependence on unnecessary intermediaries or middlemen by allowing members to collectively purchase inputs, market products, or distribute goods. For producers, collective marketing can improve bargaining power and provide better access to markets. For consumers, cooperative purchasing may reduce distribution costs and provide goods at reasonable prices. By establishing more direct connections between producers, consumers, and markets, cooperatives can improve operational efficiency, price transparency, and members’ economic benefits.

6. Better Bargaining Power

Individual members may have limited bargaining strength when dealing with suppliers, buyers, financial institutions, or other market participants. A cooperative combines the resources and requirements of many members, creating stronger collective bargaining power. Through bulk purchasing, collective selling, or joint negotiations, members may obtain more favorable terms than they could achieve individually. This strengthens their position in the marketplace and can improve access to resources, markets, services, and financial opportunities while reducing disadvantages arising from small-scale operations.

7. Promotion of Savings and Self-Help

Cooperative organizations encourage saving, self-help, and financial discipline among their members. Members contribute capital regularly and participate in activities designed to improve their collective economic position. Credit cooperatives, for example, can mobilize savings and provide loans to members under cooperative principles. Such arrangements encourage responsible financial behavior and reduce dependence on costly external sources of finance. The principle of self-help also develops a sense of financial responsibility, cooperation, independence, and collective economic development among members.

8. Social and Economic Development

Cooperatives contribute to social and economic development by creating employment, supporting local enterprises, improving access to services, and strengthening community participation. They can assist farmers, workers, consumers, small producers, and other groups in improving their economic conditions through collective action. Cooperatives may also promote equality, social responsibility, and community welfare. By combining economic activities with social objectives, they contribute to inclusive development and help members achieve greater economic security and opportunities through organized cooperation.

Disadvantages of Cooperatives Company

• Over reliance on Government funds

Co-operative societies are not able to raise their own resources. Their sources of financing are limited and they depend on government funds. The funding and the amount of funds that would be released by the government are uncertain. Therefore, co-operatives are not able to plan their activities in the right manner.

• Limited funds

Co-operative societies have limited membership and are promoted by the weaker sections. The membership fees collected is low. Therefore, the funds available with the co-operatives are limited. The principle of one-man one-vote and limited dividends also reduce the enthusiasm of members. They cannot expand their activities beyond a particular level because of the limited financial resources.

• Benefit to Rural rich

Co-operatives have benefited the rural rich and not the rural poor. The rich people elect themselves to the managing committee and manage the affairs of the co-operatives for their own benefit.

The agricultural produce of the small farmers is just sufficient to fulfill the needs of their family. They do not have any surplus to market. The rich farmers with vast tracts of land, produce in surplus quantities and the services of co-operatives such as processing, grading, correct weighment and fair prices actually benefit them.

• Imposed by Government

In the Western countries, co-operative societies were voluntarily started by the weaker sections. The objective is to improve their economic status and protect themselves from exploitation by businessmen. But in India, the co-operative movement was initiated and established by the government. Wide participation of people is lacking. Therefore, the benefit of the co-operatives has still not reached many poorer sections.

• Lack of Managerial skills

Co-operative societies are managed by the managing committee elected by its members. The members of the managing committee may not have the required qualification, skill or experience. Since it has limited financial resources, its ability to compensate its employees is also limited. Therefore, it cannot employ the best talent.

• Inadequate Rural Credit

Co-operative societies give loans only for productive purposes and not for personal or family expenses. Therefore, the rural poor continue to depend on the money lenders for meeting expenses of marriage, medical care, social commitments etc. Co-operatives have not been successful in freeing the rural poor from the clutches of the money lenders.

• Government regulation

Co-operative societies are subject to excessive government regulation which affects their autonomy and flexibility. Adhering to various regulations takes up much of the management’s time and effort.

• Misuse of funds

If the members of the managing committee are corrupt, they can swindle the funds of the co-operative society. Many cooperative societies have faced financial troubles and closed down because of corruption and misuse of funds.

• Inefficiencies leading to losses

Co-operative societies operate with limited financial resources. Therefore, they cannot recruit the best talent, acquire latest technology or adopt modern management practices. They operate in the traditional mold which may not be suitable in the modern business environment and therefore suffer losses.

• Lack of Secrecy

Maintenance of business secrets is the key for the competitiveness of any business organization. But business secrets cannot be maintained in cooperatives because all members are aware of the activities of the enterprise. Further, reports and accounts have to be submitted to the Registrar of Co-operative Societies. Therefore, information relating to activities, revenues, members etc becomes public knowledge.

• Conflicts among members

Cooperative societies are based on the principles of co-operation and therefore harmony among members is important. But in practice, there might be internal politics, differences of opinions, quarrels etc. among members which may lead to disputes. Such disputes affect the functioning of the co-operative societies.

• Limited scope

Co-operative societies cannot be introduced in all industries. Their scope is limited to only certain areas of enterprise. Since the funds available are limited they cannot undertake large scale operations and is not suitable in industries requiring large investments.

• Lack of Accountability

Since the management is taken care of by the managing committee, no individual can be made accountable for in efficient performance. There is a tendency to shift responsibility among the members of the managing committee.

• Lack of Motivation

Members lack motivation to put in their whole hearted efforts for the success of the enterprise. It is because there is very little link between effort and reward. Co-operative societies distribute their surplus equitably to all members and not based on the efforts of members. Further there are legal restrictions regarding dividend and bonus that can be distributed to members.

• Low public confidence

Public confidence in the co-operative societies is low. The reason is, in many of the co-operatives there is political interference and domination. The members of the ruling party dictate terms and therefore the purpose for which cooperatives are formed is lost.