Mahdian, S., Amini, A. and Yousefi, A. (2016). Factors affecting the success of rural production cooperatives in Chaharmahal and Bakhtiari province with emphasis on managerial skills. (2016). Iranian Journal of Agricultural Economics and Development Research, 47(2), 313-323.

Abstract

Small scale and fragmented lands are one of the most important obstacles of agricultural development. Perhaps one of the best ways to deal with this problem is empowering the units of collective action. The rural production cooperatives are more accepted rather than the other units due to observing and applying the triple principles namely "ownership", "governorship" and "subjectivity". Nevertheless, these cooperatives with a ten year old, have not yet achieved the appropriate position in the production sector. The aim of this study is to analyze the managerial factors affecting the rural production cooperatives' success. The statistical population of this research included the members of active rural production cooperatives of Chahar Mahal and Bakhtiari Province are 3715 Individuals. The sample included 160 individuals who were selected by random sampling method. Data were collected on a sample of 160 members of RPC by using probability proportionate to size sampling method through face-to-face interviews based on a comprehensive structured questionnaire. The success index in this research has measured using the SERVQUAL model that analyzes the gap between members' expectations and perceptions of services quality provided by RPC. The experts' opinions were applied for assessing the content validity of questionnaire, and Cronbach Alpha with a score of 0.96 was used for measuring the reliability. Based on the results of Wilcoxon Test, the RPC of ChaharMahal&Bakhtiari Province have met the members' expectations merely in the confident dimension. The influential managerial factors on the success of RPC were determined by applying a multivariate regression model. Human and conceptual skills of managers, managers' belief on the importance of members' participation, educational level and managerial experiences of managers has the most impact on the success of RPC.

Keywords: Rural Production Cooperatives; managerial factors; SERVQUAL model; Altman model; Katz's managerial skills

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