Treatment and analysis of data
The identification of the variables used in the study was based on the
relational dimension in which the patterns of membership and paid-up
shares were analyzed with an a priori assumption that
cooperatives’ paid-up shares is increasing as the number of members is
also increasing. Since cooperatives are voluntary organizations, joined
members must accept given responsibilities, encourage participation, and
eliminate discrimination. Hence, it should be observed that the members
should be willing to commit their funds to the cooperative if a shared
objective prevails. The increase in paid-ups shares also indicates the
members’ collective action in which they feel sense of ownership to
their cooperative and they could gain long-term benefit through their
collective action. The increase in paid-up share would also indicate the
members’ willingness to fulfil their social-obligation in a social
contract perspective. The payment of paid-up shares manifests their
willingness to abide with the values and principles of cooperativism in
which the members (new and old) are fulfilling their social and economic
obligation to their respective cooperatives.