Evolution of Surplus Distribution Mode of Farmers Professional Cooperatives Under Cooperative Game —From the Perspective of Life Cycle

【Objective】In order to clarify the evolution mechanism of member heterogeneity, cooperative game and surplus distribution mode of farmers' professional cooperatives in China, cooperatives are divided into four stages: start-up period, growth period, maturity period and recession period based on the perspective of life cycle. It also makes a theoretical and empirical analysis on how the changes in the status of"capital"and"labor"affect the allocation of surplus claims of cooperatives.【Method】With game theory as a tool, the evolution of surplus distribution system at different stages of cooperative life cycle under the condition of heterogeneity is discussed. The typical case of Tiefo Navel Orange Planting Stock Cooperative in Fengjie County of Chongqing is used for empirical analysis.【Result】The evolution mechanism of the surplus distribution mechanism of farmers' cooperatives in China is clarified. The way of surplus distribution of cooperatives changes in the same direction as the power of cooperative game. When the cooperative is dominated by the"big farmers"of the investors, the cooperative tends to distribute the surplus mainly by shares. On the contrary, it tends to be distributed according to labor input (i.e. trading volume) in favor of"small farmers".【Conclusion】At different stages of the life cycle of cooperatives, with the change of cooperative business objectives, the status of"capital"and"labor"will change accordingly. This has led to the evolution of surplus distribution. In terms of policy enlightenment, it also shows that inclusiveness, balance and synergy based on the perspective of life cycle support the incentive and compatible development of cooperatives. It can not only better bridge the uncertainty caused by the alienation of cooperatives, but also provide valuable ideas and exploration for the high-quality development of rural cooperative economic organizations in the new era.