Workshop Module 13: Cooperatives and Enterprise Development 341- When the tree is fully established, it will be a healthy tree with a strong root
system, a strong trunk, many branches and leaves, and it will produce lots of
flowers, fruits, and new seeds which will grow into new trees. - The roots are the resource base. These resources could be land, labour, natural
resources, skills, equipment, buildings, money, or connections with NGOs, the
government, and support groups. - The trunk is the management structure. It enables efficient flow from resources
to projects, and must be strong and supporting. Management decides which
projects (branches) to support. - The branches are the different projects. Many smaller projects are better and
more sustainable than only 1 big project. Diversity is important. - The leaves are the people responsible for these projects. They work together to
ensure the projects are successful, because without people, the cooperative is
like a tree without leaves, it cannot live or grow. - The fruit is the produce from the projects. It must be harvested, stored,
marketed, and sold so that the projects can make money for members of the
cooperative in a sustainable manner. - The seeds are new cooperatives or businesses which grow from the first tree.
- Many trees growing together is better than only 1 tree growing alone. They will
support and shelter each other from storms, strong winds, and the hot sun, and
provide nutrients (resources) for each other, while providing a habitat for animals
and birds. It is the same with cooperatives and community businesses.
Management structures will vary according to the size and type of cooperative or small
enterprise, but all management structures should include:
- A vision - Which can be used as a vision statement.
- An ethical structure.
- A management system.
- A wages, prices, and profits structure.
- A thorough bookkeeping system.
- A plan for future changes and development.
For more detailed information see the “Management structure” section of PC Book
MOD 13 – Cooperatives and Enterprise Development.