Factors that affecting the success of cooperatives and a scale development study

In terms of increasing the development level of our country, developments that will take place locally are very important. Among the most important studies on this subject are the works to be carried out by the cooperatives. The success of cooperatives is important for their partners, their social environment, for the region and the country. However, it is not scientifically possible to determine the success level of an immeasurable phenomenon. Therefore within the scope of this study, the literature review on cooperatives and cooperative activities in Turkey and in the world are discussed firstly. Then, the studies in the field of cooperatives were examined, opinions of experts in cooperatives were taken, the meeting notes on the "achievements and performances of the cooperatives" (prepared at the cooperative meeting which was held in Istanbul with the participation of 83 different cooperatives) were examined and important issues in terms of the success and performance of cooperatives has been tried to be analyzed as "Factors Affecting Success of Cooperatives" under four different topics. Finally, in the context of the satisfaction of the cooperative partners, "Success Criteria Scale for Cooperatives" -which aims to measure cooperative performance- has been tried to be revealed by working on partners of the most frequently encountered cooperatives in daily life (such as "Women's Cooperatives, Agricultural Sales Cooperatives, Production and Marketing Cooperatives and Agricultural Development Cooperatives".) In this way, it is aimed to contribute to the literature by developing a scientific scale that includes a number of success criteria that will be used as a basis for the success of cooperatives. Within the scope of the study, two basic facts were identified. The first one: In terms of the success of cooperatives, four main factors and their sub-factor have emerged, as a result of cooperative chairmen's/managers' experiences and strengthening of those experiences with scientific literature, 1- Future Vision and Core Values (Inclusivity, Diversity, Equality; Sensitivity to Social Values; Protection of Local Values) 2- Institutionally Interactive Governance (Leadership; Democracy and Participation; Transparency and Accountability; Appreciation and Sharing Success; Indicators) 3- Financial and Socio-cultural Impact (Creating New Brand Values; Dissemination of E-commerce; Sustainable and High Quality Products; Women Participation; Cooperation) 4- Establishment of Strategic Cooperation Mechanisms (With Other Cooperatives; Local Administrations; Regional Development Agencies; Agriculture and Rural Development Support Institution) The second fact is the developing "Scale for Success Criteria of Cooperatives" in order to measure the success of cooperatives. As a result of the scientific analyzes made within the scope of these scale development studies, 13 items have been identified that can be used to measure the success of cooperatives. These are; We have a common vision that is known and embraced by management and partners; We have common values that are known and embraced by management and partners; Activities are carried out in line with the vision and common values; Information sharing between partners; Opinions of the partners are taken into account, from production to sales stages; Partners can get information from management whenever they request; At least once a year, activities are carried out to increase the cooperation between the partners; We act in accordance with social values; Public relations are carried out effectively; A roadmap is set to increase the business volume; Related permission and quality documents are available; The effectiveness of activities is followed by the members; We have financial sustainability strategy.