The achievement of measurable success of
multi- purpose cooperatives lies in the consideration of
social determinants. The Cooperative alone expresses the
concept of "Alone we do so little, together we can do so
much", and it is not tangible in the present. Moreover,
multi-purpose centers and halls are mushrooming in the
city and nearby municipalities, but still community
development has a diminutive effect. This study utilized
the Cooperative Development Theory (CDT) to identify
social determinants that thrust to the success of the
people’s organization. The study also employed purely
qualitative data based on the experiences and challenges
of the members of the three (3) identified cooperatives in
Zamboanga City. They were interviewed based on the
following questions: a) What are your experiences and
challenges being a member of a multi-purpose
cooperative? B) How much earnings do you incur being
a member of a multi-purpose cooperative, and lastly, c)
Has being a member of that cooperative benefited you?
The result of the study shows that members gained
knowledge and skills on how to be an entrepreneur by
attending trainings, workshops, and other relevant
activities. Difficulties came after the engagement of the
group in small-scale business such as members not
paying their dues on time, and debt becoming frequent
on the part of members that created conflict among
them. The return on investment was only felt in the
beginning and was not sustainedin effect to the problem
experienced by the cooperative. There were also
recorded responses that benefits were less likely felt by
the members of the organization. The behavioral issue
was identified as the main social determinant that affects
the achievement of the goal. Therefore, the study gleaned
the idea that members' attributes must be emphasized
before organizing any multi-purpose cooperative and the
like. Scrutiny in accepting members must also be a
priority.
Keywords : Multi-Purpose; Cooperatives; Social Determinants;, Behavior; Experiences and Challenges; Co- Operators.