Cooperative Governance

Alexander B. RaquepoCooperative Governance Practitioner and Advocate

- it is the practice of FAIRNESS, ACCOUNTABILITY AND TRANSPARENCY (FAT) in the management and operation of cooperatives;

- it is a set of ethical standards for cooperative officers, staff and other stakeholders

- it is an expression of our cooperative social responsibility.

A. FAIRNESS

- equality in the treatment of members;

- eliminate biases, favoritism and accommodations;

- equal privileges, benefits and risks; &

- equal rights

B. ACCOUNTABILITY - roles, responsibilities and levels of

authorities are defined and clear;

- duties and its parameters/boundaries written and defined; and

- benefits and risks are understood by all cooperators

C. TRANSPARENCY - transactions within the coop are within the

parameters of coop rules and regulations;

- no secret deals and “behind close-door” transactions;

- coop must also be audited regularly (internal & external); and

- records are open to members.

1. KNOW YOURSELF

- Capabilities – experience and educational background;

- Capacities – time, effort and service;

-Co-teammates; and

- Concerns – am I supportive to coop programs/projects

2. KNOW YOUR ROLES, DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

- don’t go beyond your boundaries; and

- do your job and practice complementation.

3. EDUCATE YOURSELF

- training, seminar and self-study is a must for BODs, officers and staff;

- use your CETF (local);

- have a regular in-house training; and

- link with other coops.

4. BE THE EXAMPLE/SET MODELS

- be the model to other coop members;

- follow coop rules and regulations;

- patronize your coop; &

- pay your loan on time.

5. INITIATE RELEVANT PROGRAMS AND PROJECTS FOR THE COOP

6. FORMULATE THE COOPS CODE OF ETHICS

7. Practice FAT in all these steps and undertakings

8. PRAY

1. Strategic planning and direction setting for the cooperative;

2. Approve Annual Plans and Budget;

3. Hire or fire the General Manager or CEO;

4. Formulate/promulgate rules, regulations, resolutions and directives to enhance coop operations (legislative work);

5. Approve and disapprove membership applications;

6. Initiate amendments of Coop by-laws and Articles of Cooperation;

7. Report to the GA every year; and

8. Act as the official representative of the coop.