HCOB 2103: CO-OPERATIVE PHILOSOPHY (45 CONTACT HOURS)

Prerequisites–none

Course purpose
The purpose of this course is to broaden students’ understanding of the unique nature of
cooperative enterprises and an appreciation of their critical role in development.

Learning outcomes
At the end of this course the student should be able to:
1. Discuss the various forms of traditional cooperation in Kenya
2. Distinguish cooperatives from other forms of business enterprises
3. Discuss the co-operative values and principles and their application
4. Explain the cooperative schools of thought and their applications.
5. Evaluate the role of the co-operative movement in development

Course Description
1. Definition of terms: Concept of co-operation, philosophy, co-operative, synergy.
2. Introduction to co-operative philosophy. Traditional forms of co-operation.
3. Key personalities and their contribution to Co-operative theory and practice: global, regional
and national perspectives.
4. Early forms of formal co-operatives: Rochdale equitable pioneers, Raiffeisen Principles
5. Co-operative values and principles: evolution, application and critique;
6. Co-operative schools of thought and their applications,
7. Reasons for formation of co-operatives,
8. Co-operatives compared to other forms of business enterprises.
9. Case studies: Dairy Co-operatives vs. Dairy Companies in Kenya; Mondragon Corporation vs
Toyota Inc.

Teaching methodology
Lectures, tutorials, case studies, individual and group presentations, educational trip.

Instructional Materials
Whiteboards, markers, hand-outs, presentation software, LCD projectors and computers,
Flipcharts, televisions, videos
Course Assessment
CATs, Assignments, 30%
End of semester examination 70%
TOTAL 100%

Course Text Books

1. ILO (2007). Handbook on Co-operatives for Use by Workers Organizations. Geneva: ILO.
ISBN:978-92-2-11565-0
2. ILO (2002). Promotion of Cooperatives, Recommendation No. 193. Geneva: ILO. ISBN:
9789221124238
3. Minish, L. (2012). Understanding Co-operatives in Africa: A Handbook for Students.
Nairobi: Acacia Publishers. ISBN 9966917713, 9789966917713
4. Kobia, Silas. The Co-operative Movement in Kenya: Challenges and Opportunities
5. Ouma, SJ. The History of the Co-operative Movement in Kenya
6. Ouma, SJ. Co-operatives and Development in Kenya

Reference Text Books

1. Marburg Consult for Self-Help Promotion ILO (2009). Innovative Co-operative Training.
Geneva. ISBN: 9221225585, 9789221225584
2. Nicole Göler Von Ravensburg (2011). Economic and other benefits of the Entre-
preneurs’ Cooperatives as a Specific form of Enterprise Cluster. Geneva: ILO
Publications. ISBN 9789221234166.
3. Maina, D. T. and Kibanga, M. M. (2004). Co-operative management in Developing
Countries. Nairobi: Management Services Ltd. ISBN: 9966-7036-0-8.

Course Journals
1. Journal of Cooperative Studies –UK Society for Cooperative Studies. ISSN: 0961-5784
2. International Journal of Co-operative Studies. ISSN: B0031OXJDW
3. International Journal of Co-operative Management. ISSN: 1741-4814

Reference Journals
1. Journal of Rural Studies. ISSN: 0743-0167
2. Journal of Cooperative Organization and Management-Elsevier. ISSN: 1741-4814
Journal of Cooperative Information Systems ISSN: 978-973-650-213-2