Members’ Democratic Control and Leadership Accountability in Primary Co-operative Societies

Abstract

Co-operative enterprises are based on democratic principles where members delegate authority to elected boards to maximize collective benefits. However, evidence suggests these boards sometimes prioritize personal gains over member welfare. This study aimed to examine how members of primary co-operative societies exercise democratic control to ensure leadership accountability. Using a cross-sectional design with a mixed methods approach, the study focused on six primary co-operative societies in Meru and Rombo districts. The study covered 101 randomly selected respondents. Data were collected through interviews and surveys. The study findings revealed that more than a three quarter (77.2%) of respondents recognised democratic control as an important strategy in enhancing leadership accountability in primary co-operative societies. The study findings on members perspectives varied on the extent to which democratic control impact leadership accountability: 47.5% high, 37.6% moderate, and 14.9% low. The study findings revealed that, voicing concerns at Annual General meetings (91.1%), demanding co-operative information (78.2%), and active participation in elections (90.1%) as the commonly used mechanisms in enhancing leadership accountability. However, it was revealed that majority of members possess limited knowledge on the effective application of accountability mechanisms. The study concludes that, despite recognizing the positive influence of members’ democratic control on leadership accountability, there is a gap among members in understanding and applying the accountability mechanisms. This lack of clarity poses challenges to co-operative growth in the study area. The study recommends for the co-operative development stakeholders to initiate Members’ Democratic Control Empowerment Program (MDCEP) to primary co-operative societies. This program should focus on educating members comprehensively on democratic control mechanisms and their applications and enhancing their ability to hold leaders accountable. Additionally, to promote leadership accountability, primary co-operatives should ensure open communication, inclusive decision-making, accessible feedback mechanisms, enforceable accountability policies, and regular independent audits with shared results and responsive actions.