Intercooperation among cooperatives: barriers and challenges to overcome

Abstract

The Cooperative is a form of union between individuals whose main purpose is the mutual support by working together and that has core principles that guide their values. One of these principles is the intercooperation, which is basically the cooperation among cooperatives. However due to several factors, this principle has resistance in the sector. Therefore this study aims to identify the barriers and challenges that prevent greater inter-cooperation among cooperatives. The methodology involves bibliographic exploratory research with qualitative analysis by means of survey of cases of intercooperation among cooperatives and about the resistance factors with cooperation principle. The results indicate the cooperation as an alternative to the development of cooperatives, however among the main challenges to be overcome are the cultural differences of each cooperative, fear of loss of autonomy or cease to exist, individualism and opportunism, the lack of formalize some arrangements, vanity, the lack of confidence and strong competition between the cooperatives themselves.