Coop Values

Lectured by Joy B. Mayion CDS-II/HRMO
Webinar on the Fundamentals of Co-ops
via Tulong Balita Online Jan 22, 2021

1. COOPERATIVE VALUES Cooperative Values

2. 1 Why we study values? Values remain to be the cornerstone of a cooperative and without these the cooperative movement would simply not exist. provide a starting point for promoting a more inclusive and effective movement. to have human fulfillment and peace which is the only ethically and morally justifiable goals for any society (Sidney Pobihushchy).

3. VALUES Values are basic and fundamental beliefs that guide or motivate attitudes or actions. They help us to determine what is important to us. Values describe the personal qualities we choose to embody to guide our actions; the sort of person we want to be; the manner in which we treat ourselves and others, and our interaction with the world around us. They provide the general guidelines for conduct (Steven Mintz). 3

4. 4 Cooperatives are based on the values of self-help, self-responsibility, democracy, equality, equity and solidarity. In the tradition of their founders, cooperative members believe in the ethical values of honesty, openness, social responsibility and caring for others

5. 5 Solidarity Self-help Self-responsibility Democracy Equality Equity COOPERATIVE VALUES

6. GOVERNANCE BY VALUES AND ETHICS SELF-HELP This is the idea that a co-op is not a charity; instead it is a tool used by individuals and groups to directly improve their lives and communities through their own work and effort. 6

7. 2. SELF-RESPONSIBILITY is a major aspect of cooperation. In a co-op, all members are in charge; so individuals must be accountable for their actions, responsibilities, and duties. 7

8. Thus, a co-op cannot function properly if the members are neglectful of their responsibilities to their job, the co-op, their fellow members, and themselves. 8

9. 3. DEMOCRACY Co-ops are controlled, managed and operated by its members. Thus, suggestions are heard and accepted to make the services or products more responsive to their needs. Thus, it empowers members to participate and vote in meetings. 9

10. 4. EQUALITY is about giving everyone access to the same resources and treating them the same. Every member is only entitled to one vote regardless of the amount of his/her contribution. 10

11. 11 5. EQUITY is the concept of providing disadvantaged persons and privileged people with fair accommodation and treatment according to their needs - in order to put them on equivalent ground.

12. 6. SOLIDARITY This is the value of “fellowship” amongst members of a co-op. Thus , it is essential for cooperatives and cooperators to recognize the importance of working together to support others in their struggles, goals, and efforts – and for others to do the same for them. 12

13. 13 Social responsibility Honesty Openness Caring for Others ETHICAL VALUES Cooperative members believe in the Ethical Values of:

14. 7. HONESTY Truthfulness , fairness and sincerity in all dealings. – The dealings may be between the members & the cooperative; among members the themselves; between & among cooperatives. 14

15. 8. OPENNESS One that promotes collaboration where the members are free to share their views and suggestions with an emphasis on learning as opposed to being right . Characterized by transparency and free access to knowledge and information. 15

16. Strategies in order to build transparency (Forbes Article): hire and engage transparent employees encourage straight communications insist proactive use of social media by leaders considers eliminating layers of titles and opening up transparency in finances, and create an online media for employees to ask any question of the leadership . 16

17. 17

18. 9. SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY The economic activities undertaken and decisions made in the co-ops as a business enterprise are balanced by the needs and interests of their members and the community . 18

19. 10. CARING FOR OTHERS Co-ops bring people together to meet a shared need through operation of a democratically controlled business. Co-ops are open to all who can take advantage of their benefits . 19

20. 20

21. 21 ICA explains, “ any discussion of values within cooperatives must inevitably involve deeply-felt concerns about appropriate ethical behavior. Achieving a consensus on the essential cooperative values within a rich array of belief systems is a complex but rewarding task.” (ICA, 1995)

22. 22

23. 23 Image by gettyimages .