Proposing a New Structure for Iran’s Cooperative Sector Inspired by Successful Models from Other Countries: A Comparative Study

Context and Purpose: An appropriate and efficient structure is the first and most important factor in achieving objectives in all systems, including the cooperative sector. The aim of this research was to propose a structure for the country’s cooperative sector based on the study of the structure of successful countries in the field of cooperation with a comparative approach.

Methodology: This research was applied in terms of purpose and was conducted using a mixed method. To identify the dimensions and components of the existing structure of Iran’s cooperative sector, a qualitative content analysis method was used, semi-structured interviews were conducted with university experts and managers in the field of cooperation. To understand the structure of the cooperative sector of successful countries, the structure of the cooperative sector in five countries, India, Malaysia, France, Kenya, and Turkey, was studied, and then the similarities and structural differences of the selected countries with Iran were enumerated using a comparative study method. Finally, using the Delphi method, the consensus of experts, a proposed structure for Iran’s cooperative sector based on a comparative study was proposed.

Findings: In the proposed structure, efforts were made to eliminate redundant procedures and reduce bureaucracy, eliminate similar and repetitive tasks, eliminate overlapping and parallel tasks, lack of complexity and lack of concentration, in addition to considering the characteristics of simplicity and agility and reducing government intervention in the cooperative sector, establish a logical connection between the constituent parts and present an appropriate structure.

Conclusion: In order to coherence and coordination of all devices and aligning activities with objectives and policies and monitoring their proper implementation, the formation of the National Cooperative Council with the secretariat of the Ministry of Cooperation, Labor, and Social Welfare was proposed.