THE APPLICATION OF THE INTERNATIONAL CO-OPERATIVE PRINCIPLES BY THE THAI COOPERATIVE ENTERPRISES: THE EXPERIENCES AND THE FUTURE IMPROVEMENT

• Main Authors: Kultida Singsee, Chokchai Suttawet
• Other Authors: Universität Bielefeld
• Format: Article
• Published: 2022
• Subjects: Arts and Humanities; Business, Management and Accounting; Economics, Econometrics and Finance; Social Sciences
• Online Access: https://repository.li.mahidol.ac.th/handle/123456789/75849
• Institution: Mahidol University

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.