중국 농민전업합작사 조합원 만족도 분석 - 중국 연변 농민전업합작사를 대상으로 -

Abstract

Chinese Specialized Farmers Cooperatives (CSFCs) have shown rapid growth in a limited span of time since 2007, specifically in number of cooperatives and participating farms. This research aims to assess the performance on the seven cooperative principles of the International Cooperative Alliance (ICA) and entrepreneurial strategy involved in the participation of CSFCs, from the perspective of its members, in order to recognize its implications on sustainable development of CSFCs. The survey was conducted on members of the CSFC in Yanji. Members of the cooperative have shown strong performance. This can be considered as factual evidence of the rapid growth of CSFC in China and Yanji; almost half of the farms participating are deeply involved, and the CSFC is establishing itself as a meaningful organization in addressing matters concerning the management stability of farms and the Three Problems in China’s Agricultural Sector in rural communities. Thorough analysis indicates that it is essential to maintain and focus on business strategy related to ‘voluntary and open membership’, ‘democratic member control’, ‘autonomy and independence’, and ‘education, training and information’ among the seven cooperative principles of the ICA, in order to maintain CSFC’s current level of performance. Member farmers have shown negative responses toward ‘concern for community’ and found ‘members’ economic participation’ and ‘cooperation among cooperatives’ rather demanding. What these three principles have in common can be summed up as cooperation between the local community and other cooperatives. It can be interpreted from this that members believe such principles do not concern them or that getting involved may negatively affect their interests. However, the cooperation among members and cooperatives, and concern for community, derives from past cases of successful strategies by the ICA. It is imperative that they shift their perception, in order for Chinese Specialized Farmers Cooperatives (CSFC) to maintain sustainable development. They have reached a point where it is crucial to implement measures like education on the importance of business system and mentality related to cooperatives; research and expansion on a business model that can promote the industry through cooperation between the local community and cooperatives to their mutual benefit; and policies and laws concerning private investments and government subsidy.