Exploring the Connection Between Sociocracy and Agency in Panasahan Credit Cooperative, Bulacan, Philippines

Abstract

The study examines the connection between sociocracy, manifested through internal communication practices and organizational structure, and agency, which is a component of empowerment, within Panasahan Credit Cooperative (PCC). Through a qualitative approach combining interviews and document analysis, the internal communication practices and organizational structure of PCC were analyzed based on Buck and Endenburg’s elements of sociocracy. These practices and structure were also explored in the members' sense of agency, which was defined based on Kabeer’s model of empowerment. Findings indicate that the elements of sociocracy were reflected in PCC’s internal communication and organizational structure. Communication within was mostly through regular face-to-face meetings. However, the informal nature of day-to-day communication is what fosters personal connection within members. As for their alignment with sociocracy, decision-making is usually done through elections and members must approve of any major changes. There are different departments with the cooperative that have their own functions and decision-making power. Feedback is welcome and encouraged. However, there is only one representative for each circle, making the connection not double linked. Leaders are decided through elections. Participants recalled that having a role in decision-making processes of the cooperative, as well as having their opinion heard and acknowledged by their peers, contribute greatly to their feeling of empowerment, which also leads them to strive harder to perform their duties more effectively. Lastly, these findings may prove to be beneficial to both PCC members and the management and can allow them to increase engagement and further foster connections within the cooperative.