Factors affecting human resource quality in the cooperative economic sector

Abstract

The cooperative economic sector makes a substantial contribution to sustainable socio-economic development, job creation, poverty reduction, and the promotion of democratic participation. However, despite their significance and widespread presence, many cooperatives globally grapple with challenges related to human resource quality, a foundational element for their success and sustainability. This paper focuses on analyzing a number of multifaceted factors influencing human resource quality within the cooperative economic sector. Through a systematic synthesis and analysis of diverse secondary literature, including international academic studies, reports from organizations such as the International Co-operative Alliance (ICA), the International Labour Organization (ILO), United Nations agencies, and case studies from various countries, the paper identifies and elucidates five main groups of factors. These are: (1) National institutions, policies, and legal frameworks; (2) Education, training, and science and technology systems; (3) Cooperatives' internal governance capacity, work environment, and organizational culture; (4) Financial resources and physical infrastructure; and (5) The socio-economic and cultural environment. The analysis underscores the complex interplay among these factors and their context-dependent nature across nations, while also highlighting common global challenges. The research findings provide a comprehensive analytical framework, clarifying key barriers and drivers in enhancing human resource quality, thereby offering important implications for relevant stakeholders.