The role of cooperatives movement in socio-economic development in Poland

Abstract

The aim of the paper is to determine the stages of the development of the cooperative movement and the importance of cooperative activity in the socio-economic development in Poland. In addition, co-operatives are presented against the background of the national economy and the current state of a number of cooperatives operating in Poland, in particular sectors of economy in 1989–2016. The role and position of cooperatives in the socio-economic development was significantly different at particular stages, which resulted from different conditions of functioning and the state policy. From the beginning, the cooperative played an important role in socio-economic development. In the years 1947–1989, cooperatives played a significant role in the economy, which resulted from the state policy. After the change of the management system, the position of cooperatives decreased significantly in terms of the share of the cooperative sector in national economy and the number of cooperative entities in traditional industries. However, new cooperative forms appeared, such as social cooperatives, groups of agricultural producers, which proves the usefulness of this form of management for solving many social and economic problems. The position of cooperatives should be determined by the needs of the Polish economy and Polish society. Cooperative forms have adapted to the current socio-economic situation in Poland and market economy conditions. It is not a position in the national economy that matters, but above all, the values by which the cooperatives are lead, and which will bring not only economic, but also social benefits. A cooperative form of management based on values such as honesty, democracy and care for others can be used as an instrument to solve many socio-economic problems. This is the direction of the development of value-based cooperative movement.