Instituting Co-operative Governance: Implications of Intentional Inclusion of Non-voting Co-operative Members at a Multi-purpose and Multi-stakeholder Local Japanese Agricultural Co-operative

Abstract

Japan Agriculture (JA) is a national co-operative comprised of local agricultural co-operatives (local JA). Many of these local JAs are multi-purpose and multi-stakeholder co-operatives where, in accordance with the Japanese Agricultural Co-operative Legislation, only one of the two membership classes has the right to vote. This study examined differences between in membership awareness and behavior between the membership classes using a questionnaire (n＝275) at a co-operative with an inclusive approach to membership engagement. Results show that engaged associate members demonstrate significantly higher levels of understanding regarding the difference between co-operatives and Investor Owned Firms, have significantly greater levels of involvement in the cooperative and are significantly more likely to have and express opinions than non-participating farmer members.