Identifying and Explaining Challenges Faced by Iranian Rural Production Cooperatives, based on a Grounded Theory Paradigm

The main purpose of this paper was to identify and explain the challenges faced by the Iranian rural production cooperatives, based on a grounded theory paradigm. In this research, in order to collect data, 34 experts and planners views were gained by the use of deep interview technique. The main criterion for determining the sample size was set to achieve theoretical saturation point. All subjects were selected by the use of purposive and the snowball sampling method. Coding and data analysis were performed in three steps based on paradigmatic model of forthcoming challenges in the cooperative. The results showed that the most important challenge which cooperatives were faced with them included, "core capital”, “lack of knowledge and experience" and "legal gaps" which caused to leading to the creation of "excessive self-interest" in the rural production cooperatives in Iran.