ABSTRACT

The study compared the communication network characteristics of three categories of cooperatives; examined the relationship between communication environment and cooperative performance; and identified factors that promote communication and enhance cooperative performance. Abia State was selected because of its large farming population, high agricultural potentials and the abundant resources of which maximum utilization could be guaranteed through cooperation. A proportionate sample çf farming, trading and agro-industrial groups were taken to constitute 25 cooperatives and 1 50 members studied. Descriptive and inferentia statistics1as well as sociometric preference tests, were used for data analysis. Aggregated performance criteria yielded a composite index of group performance. Pearson's product moment correlation and ATOVA were used to estimate the correlation and variance of the performance scores. Stepwise regression analysis was used to test the predictive power of the communication environment variables on performance. Communication network analysis showed evidence of sufficient communication within the three categories of cooperatives. Farming groups had the highest level of communication frequency, followed by trading and agro-industrial groups. Asymmetric communication links predominated in all categories. Agro-industrial groups showed the highest number of reciprocated choices, while trading groups exhibited the highest degree of network centralization. Agro-industrial groups were best in efficienéy and effectiveness, followed by farming and trading groups. Regression results showed four factors which explained variation in the performance of' cooperative societie, at 5% level of significance, as group size, years of corporate existence, gender homogeneity and group task dimensions. The estimated coefficient of multiple determination (R2) showed that the vri 1 ;s explained 99.3%, 81% and 97% of the performance of farming, trading and agio-industrial groups respectively. T — test results confirmed a priori expectations of fference in the performance of the different categories of cooperatives. While ANOVA results suggested variation in the cohesiveness of the three groups, post hoc tests confirmed significant difference between farming and agro-industrial groups in this respect. Although cooperatives in Abia State possessed the vital elements that promote group interaction, the predominance of asymmetric links and low degree of mutual choices further confirmed low level of cohesiveness within them. However, the high level of communication network decentralization indicated that more group members have the opportunity to lead and to communicate, a situation that discourages exploitative relationships. The predominant mu1ti-tep communication chains signified multiple interaction and adequate information dissemination, though with possibility of restricted communication flows and increased mis-communication. Communication environment variables identified as influencing performance are controflabl. Preceding introduction of xii innovations to groups with communication network investigations was recommended, as it would provide an empirical basis for such strategic decisions as how many and which group members, a change agency should contact to set off a self-continuing diffusion and development process. Supervisory and regulatory bodies should ab initio provide and enforce guidelines for reasonable and voluntary choice of groups based on the principle of complementarity. This will reduce the incidence of homophilous interlocking friendship networks which retard communication and diffusion of innovations, and incràse change agencies' efforts and costs. Above all, there is need for policies and reforms that would strengthen the group's cohesiveness, promote stability and enhance sustainability and communication within the groups