Analysis of natural resources cooperative performance in Kermanshah Province (The case of Paveh County)

This study was carried out to analyze the performance of natural resources cooperatives in Paveh County, Iran. Cochran’s formula was used for determining the population sample size among members of active cooperatives in the study area. Data was collected using a fully structured questionnaire whose validity confirmed by both faculty members of university and cooperative organization experts. Cronbach’s alpha coefficient estimated through a pilot study was used for measuring the reliability level of questionnaires. Correlation analysis and stepwise multiple linear regression were used to analyze the data. Pairwise comparisons indicated that social, economic and environmental factors were respectively the most important criteria contributing to cooperative successful performance. According to results, all independent variables displayed significant positive correlation with success of cooperative, so that factors transparency of organizational duties and belief in teamwork were maximum and minimum correlated factors from cooperatives members’ viewpoint. Regression analysis revealed that some factors were significantly influenced the performance of cooperatives. Five independent variables were entered into performance model of cooperatives which transparency of organizational duties with a standardized beta coefficient of 0.305 was the most important variable influenced cooperative performance. Relative success index indicated that performance rate of all cooperatives was lower than 50% (minimum 33.8 and maximum 44.6%). The results of this study can be used to identify the strengths and weaknesses and planning actions needed to rebuild and reactivate the cooperatives.