A framework of antecedents for the development of rural cooperatives

Context and purpose. This study aimed to present the framework of rural cooperative development antecedents. Methodology/approach. The approach of the present research is mixed, based on the applied purpose and exploratory in terms of data collection. The statistical population in both of qualitative and quantitative stages include experts in the field of agriculture and rural cooperatives, including managers and experts of rural cooperatives as well as managers and active members of rural cooperatives. The sampling method is purposive in qualitative stage and convenient in the quantitative stage. In the qualitative stage, semi-structured interview tools were used and the interviews continued until the theoretical saturation (26 people) was reached and theme analysis technique has also been used to analyze the data. In the quantitative stage, a questionnaire was used to collect data so that 40 questionnaires were distributed among the statistical sample and the weighted average technique was used to prioritize the topics. Findings and conclusions. Findings show that the development background of rural cooperatives can be classified into four general dimensions: individual-cognitive development, inclusive institutional development, multiple capacity building and endogenous synergy. As a result and based on the research findings, the most important preconditions for the development of rural cooperatives include thirteen components: psychological development, collaborative space development, performance management, empowerment, institutional-government development, awareness and education, financial support, infrastructure-technical capability, systems upgrading, marketing and sales, supply chain management, local development And knowledge of the interior and surroundings.Originality. Previous studies mainly in the field of pathology of rural cooperatives.