Success and Failure Among Agricultural Cooperatives in Turkey
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Date
2014-06
Authors
Aman, Grant R.
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
University of Oregon
Abstract
This study investigates the impact of democratic control on Turkey's
cooperatives. Turkey has had agricultural cooperatives in one form or another since the
early l31
h century; before the rise of the Ottoman Empire. Yet, the movement has
consistently underperformed financially since the founding of the republic in 1923.
This study seeks to understand the degree to which Turkey's agricultural cooperatives
are controlled democratically by their members and whether that has an effect on their
financial performance. Democratic control is an indicator of collective action.
Furthermore, how does the organizational structure of a cooperative influence
democratic control? How does a cooperative's relationship with the state impact
democratic control? In order to answer these questions, my research had two parts that
analyzed primary and secondary sources. Key informant interviews were conducted via
Skype, telephone, and email with government officials, cooperative employees, and
academics in both Turkey and the United States. I also analyzed technical reports and
other policy documents published in English by the Turkish government, the Food and
Agriculture Organization, and the World Bank.
I found that there are three main inhibitors of collective action among Turkey's
agricultural cooperatives: poor relations between cooperative executives and members,
state intervention, and lack of member participation. I conclude by offering several
policy recommendations for overcoming those inhibitors.
Description
82 pages. A thesis presented to the Department of Planning, Public Policy and Management
And the Robert D. Clark Honors College
in partial fulfillment of the requirements
for the degree of
Bachelor of Arts
June 2014
Keywords
Collective Action, Agriculture, Turkey, Nonprofit organizations, International development, Cooperatives