International Journal of Research and Innovation in Social Science (IJRISS) |Volume VI, Issue XI, November 2022|ISSN 2454-6186
Havid B. Dela Cruz, Shiela Mae C. Fontanilla, Daniel Regie F. Flores, Glenn Allen E. Gorlon Jr., Joyce C. Martinez, Leanne T. Nava, Zandro T. Estella*
College of Social Sciences and Development, Department of Cooperatives and Social Development
Polytechnic University of the Philippines
Abstract: Cooperatives empower people by uniting people on an equal footing and providing them their financial needs. Despite cooperatives being seen as economic players, people are unaware of them. This study aims to identify the awareness level and its effects on the behavior of the non-members of cooperatives. Quantitative descriptive design was applied to the study in gathering data. A survey questionnaire was used, which was analyzed with frequency percentage formula, weighted mean, and Pearson’s Product-Moment Correlation Coefficient. The result implied that most of these non-members learn about cooperatives from their families and relatives. More than half of the respondents were moderately aware of cooperatives, namely to its membership and purpose and services, and more than half provided positive responses regarding behavior. The findings indicated that a lack of motivation and knowledge were the primary causes of negative responses towards cooperatives. The study also identified strategies that would help the cooperatives. Strengthening the reliability as a business enterprise, proper use of media, seminars for the communities and education involvement would be important and may help in expanding the influence of the cooperative sector. Apart from this, the involvement and efforts the government, communities and cooperatives were the key factors to raise the awareness and elicit positive actions.
Keywords: Effects, Awareness, Behavior, Non-Members, Cooperative
I. INTRODUCTION
Cooperatives are people-cantered enterprises that are owned, controlled and run by the members to achieve their common economic, social, and cultural needs and aspirations. However, cooperatives are seen as successful partners in the implementation of government initiatives for the benefit of the targeted member-beneficiaries and the communities served by the cooperatives, although cooperatives are independent organizations that provide business services for the benefit of their members. For an organization to succeed, it must have a good reputation (Bass, 2018). It’s critical to raise awareness in order to boost enthusiasm and support. Also, having a good image plays an important role in the development and influence of the cooperative sector, as negative images can greatly affect the opinions and behaviors of the people.
Despite the fact that cooperatives have a long history and are widely used, there are still problems with the awareness