Author : Naldoza, Arnold M.

Summary : The study established the operationalization of functions by precooperatives and determined the relationship between organizational capability and institutionality. Six Philippine precooperatives were studied involving 173 respondents. Data were gathered using the precooperative as unit of analysis, mean, percentage, Fisher exact probability test, Kendall rank correlation coefficient, and Pearson product-moment correlation coefficient. The time frame of analysis was 1973 up to 1980, inclusive. The respondents unanimously agreed that the objectives, functions, and policies behind the precooperatives development program were beneficial to the intended clientele. Program-wise, they experienced the "hurry" of training dosages in the first two years and the trickle of follow-up in the next six years. An increasing rate of non-compliance with savings program occurred over time. Linkages of precooperatives within and outside of the barangay (village) were more social than economic. The officers were better off than the members in terms of educational attainment, landholding, farm production, and family income. The presence of organizational capability was "medium," consisting of personal, socio-psychological, and barangay resources. The presence of institutionality was "low" in terms of capacity articulation and service delivery. The organizational capability and institutionality of precooperatives have not yet assumed the status of a "taken-for-granted reality." The personal and socio-psychological resources were positively correlated with capacity articulation and service delivery. By achieving the critical fits between and among the program, the agency, and the clientele, the rural poor may be initiated into the stream of productivity and equity. The precooperatives may be institutionalized by facipulating interactions, activities, sentiments, and rewards using the learning process approach.