Study on democratic management practices in primary agricultural credit societies in Trichur district

Abstract

A study on democratic management practices in primary agricultural credit societies in Trichur district was aimed to identify key factors affecting democratic values and organizational efficiency to examine whether any relationship exist between the key factors of democratic management and economic performance and to study the member behavior and their relationship with managing committee.

Three primary agricultural credit societies were selected for the study. Sample of 105 members (60 borrowing and 45 non-borrowing) constituted the sample size of members. All the committee members and paid employees (excluding at tenders and storekeepers) were selected.

The required data were collected from the Audit Reports, Ledgers, Minutes books and by field interviews. 1979-80 to 1988-89 was selected as the reference period. Statistical tools like One-way classification technique, Correlation, Indices, Median, Percentages etc. were employed.

The study revealed that nature of membership, business participation by members, knowledge of cooperation, knowledge of structure and working of society, member satisfaction, member identification, educational status and social participation were the key factors affecting democratic values, whereas, efficiency in credit deployment, funds mobilization, cost of management overdue position, member satisfaction and leadership pattern are the key factors of organizational efficiency.

It was found that no relationship exists between the key factors of democratic management and economic performance.

The study on member behavior revealed that members viewed the cooperatives as a funding agency and majority of the members lack the we-feeling and the sense of ownership. Members interaction with committee members was restricted to gain personal benefits.