Sociological analysis of members' participation in agricultural cooperatives with an emphasis on cooperative principles (case study: Agricultural cooperatives of North Khorasan province)

The main difference between cooperatives, including agricultural cooperatives, and other commercial companies is the existence of cooperative principles, and the element of member participation in cooperatives plays a very important role in implementing these principles. The purpose of this research is to analyze the participation of members in agricultural cooperatives with emphasis on the principles of cooperatives.

In terms of method, this research is qualitative with an inductive approach. Data collection was done using a focused group discussion method and a discussion paper tool. In order to analyze the data in this research, the qualitative method of thematic analysis was used.

From the perspective of the participants in the research, the factors influencing the participation of members in agricultural cooperatives are: distrust of agricultural cooperatives, low familiarity with cooperatives, low participation of members in agricultural production cooperatives, high participation of members in cooperatives that supply agricultural needs, high participation In traditional agricultural cooperatives and the lack of connection between the laws of cooperatives and the participation of members.

The results of the research showed that stereotypes about cooperatives have a great impact on members' participation. The mentality of people and members towards cooperatives is completely different from the functioning of today's cooperatives. Also, differential participation shows the difference in the amount of participation of members in different cooperatives. Finally, regarding the implementation of the principles of cooperation with agricultural cooperatives, the results showed that the principles of cooperation and the existing laws did not conform to the conditions of agricultural cooperatives in Iran, and these principles and laws in Iran need to be carefully revised to conform to the economic, social and cultural conditions of Iran.