RELEVANCE OF PROFESSIONALISM IN CO-OPERATIVES IN THE ERA OF TRANSFORMATIVE TECHNOLOGIES

Abstract

Co-operatives societies are the form of organisation which can lead to the economic development of the countries all over the world.  It is the only type of organisation which is suitable for any country irrespective of the type of economic system it has.  This type of organisation will be beneficial for economically and socially weaker section of the society.  The principles of the co-operatives are laid down by international co-operative alliance for the proper functioning of co-operatives around the world. It also has different legal framework in different countries according to the need of that country. But unfortunately, these type of societies are not successfully functioning in many countries.  Co-operative societies possess the characteristic of business enterprise and social institution. So, these institutions have to be professionally managed by the people with good leadership quality. The functions and principles of management has to be so implemented in a way that the co-operative principles are not be affected.  In case of normal organisation the managing committee will be selected by the board of directors and they are answerable to the general body.  But in case of co-operatives the board of directors, the managing committee and the general body will constitute the members of the society. Thus, there is an absence of hierarchical system present in all other forms of organisation. So proper governance structure has to be implemented.  Not only there is a need to select the board members who are committed to implement the co-operative principles but also the members who are interested in the governance structure.  In short only professionalism in co-operatives without effecting the basic idea of co-operative societies can lead to the efficiency of the co-operatives and give them a corrective step for improvement.