The current state of the cooperative and its identity. Theoretical and practical analysis

Abstract

In order to analyze the evolution of cooperatives up to the present day, with a critical approach from theory and practice, definitions and typologies, values and principles, as well as the fulfillment of the cooperative identity, were examined through theoretical, historical-logical and analysis and synthesis methods. The main results obtained were that there is currently no consensus on a definition of cooperative and that the term to refer to it is enterprise. It was found that it is an important economic actor whose priority is profit, through the solution of social problems of its members and their community. A great heterogeneity was found in the classification of cooperatives, based on different variables of analysis, reflecting the economic and socio-political dynamics and the practical context in which they develop. Regarding the cooperative identity, it was observed that the values and founding principles have become more flexible in the actions of the cooperatives and their members, with distortions being perceived in the fulfillment of the practice. It was also found that the economic, political and social environment in which the cooperative develops has changed to a complex dynamic of market economy, where they have to perform on equal terms with other enterprises of public or private capital. This forced it to make its management performance more flexible, to assume new roles, new relationships with the environment, which distanced it from that foundational romantic ideology and pushed it to modernize or perish.