Determinants of Financial Management and Sustainability among Consumer Cooperatives

This descriptive study explored the financial management and sustainability of consumer cooperatives in Southern Philippines. The respondents were the selected 310 selected officers and members of the cooperatives existing for more than three years. A standardized questionnaire and a structured interview were tools for data gathering. Formal communications were transmitted to concerned officers before the conduct of the study, and the consent of the respondents, was sought. The data were analyzed using both descriptive and inferential statistics. Results show that the level of officers and operational efficiency is kept high if the cooperative’s Board of Directors listens to the ideas of and pays attention to the needs of the members, communicates high expectations for the improvement of the cooperative, makes its finances transparent to the members, and involves its members in decision making. All operational factors are significant to all financial management aspects. Recognition and profitability and capital allocation are key determinants of financial management and sustainability. The findings have various implications on the programs and policies geared towards the development of the capacity of consumer cooperatives.

 

Keywords - financial management, consumer cooperatives, descriptive research design, Southern Philippines, Philippines