The Collective Character of a Farmers’ Group and the Expected Behavior for its Member: A Comparative Study of Two Different Types of Farmers’ Groups

Abstract

A farmers’ group may have a collective character which formed in a specific geographic and historic background and its members’ relationships. And a collective character may affect the way of group operation and the expected behavior for its members. In this study, I conducted a comparative study of two farmers’ groups which produce leafy vegetables. The first case is a group of an agricultural cooperative, and the second case is a contract farming group with a consumers’ cooperative. To analyze how they formed their collective character, I applied the organizational culture theory. The results showed that the first case has strong territorial connections, therefore the members’ voluntary contributions are restrained. But it has allowed the coexistence of its various members. In contrast, the members of the second case are expected to participate in the group operation and provide mutual support. Therefore, some members have quit who felt burdened by making contributions to group operation or mutual support. In conclusion, this study clarified that the collective character of a farmers’ group can actually restrict farmers from developing their business as its members.