MANAGEMENT OF SERVICE COOPERATIVES FOR SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT OF PEOPLE’S QUALITY OF LIFE

Abstract

This article aims to examine the roles, potential, problems, obstacles, and approaches to promoting the management of service cooperatives in enhancing the sustainable quality of life of the people. The study is based on an analysis of relevant concepts, including the cooperative concept and international cooperative principles, New Public Management, good governance, and sustainable development, in order to explain the importance of effective management in strengthening cooperatives and communities. The findings reveal that service cooperatives are an important mechanism of the grassroots economy capable of improving the quality of life of their members in multiple dimensions. Socially, they promote cooperation and welfare provision. Economically, they support savings, facilitate access to funding sources, and enhance competitiveness. Politically, they serve as a mechanism linking government policies to implementation at the local level. Technologically, they should be further developed to improve operational efficiency. However, service cooperatives still face significant challenges, including limitations in governance and the capacity of cooperative boards, a lack of professionalism among management personnel, insufficient member participation, and organizational image problems resulting from cases of corruption. In addition, legal constraints, competition from the private sector, and inadequate government support further hinder their development. These factors affect the stability and long-term sustainability of cooperatives. Therefore, key approaches include strengthening management systems in accordance with good governance principles, enhancing the capacity of personnel and organizational leaders, promoting knowledge development and active participation among members, building cooperative networks, and ensuring continuous policy support. Such measures will enable service cooperatives to operate efficiently and transparently, ultimately contributing to the sustainable improvement of people’s quality of life in the long term.