'n Strategiese bestuursmodel vir landboukoöperasies in Transvaal

Abstract

TITLE A strategic management model for agricultural co-operatives in Transvaal. BACKGROUND Against the backdrop of the uncertainty in agriculture and the present bleak economic conditions in the Republic of South Africa coupled with the dynamic nature of the internal and external environments within which the co-operatives and their members operate, a strategic style of management is a necessity. OBJECTIVE The objective of the study was to formulate a strategic management model for agricultural co-operatives in the Transvaal and in the process determine which factors distinguishes the management model for a co-operative from the management model applicable to a non co-operative enterprise. RESEARCH METHODOLOGY The development of the strategic management model consisted of initially compiling a frame of reference by researching available literature on the subjects of co-operatives, management and strategic management. The second phase consisted of developing a generalized integrated strategic management model. This generalized model was then adapted for agricultural cooperatives, taking into account the unique features and constraints of this particular form of enterprise. The final phase consisted of discussing the developed management model with various senior personnel involved in strategic planning at a major agricultural co-operative in the Transvaal.

FINDINGS strategic management is of vital importance if an agricultural co-operative is to survive in the present economic and political climate in South Africa. The strategic management process consists strategic planning, which includes environmental scanning, strategy implementation and strategic control. Leaving out any one of these elements jeopardizes the strategic management process. The model, as applied to an agricultural co-operative, was found to be useful as a frame of reference for understanding the strategic process at, the factors involved in, and the parties responsible for strategic management at an agricultural cooperative. The diversity of businesses constituting a large agricultural co-operative, however, limits the usefulness of the developed model as a tool for actually doing strategic planning in the agricultural co-operative environment.