DEMOCRACY IN PRACTICE: A COMPARATIVE STUDY OF TRADE UNIONS AND COOPERATIVE

ABSTRACT This research work focuses on democracy in practice: a comparative study of trade union and cooperatives. The broad objective of the study is to examine the comparative study of trade unions and co-operatives in the practice of democracy. Some of the specific objectives are to determine what practices constitute democracy in both trade unions and co-operatives, to ascertain the similarities and differences in the practice of democracy in both organizations. A sample of 176 was obtained from a population of 315 using Taro Yamane’s formula. Data were collected using both the primary and secondary sources. Analysis of data was based on tables and percentages. In testing the hypothesis, chi-square was used. The research findings showed that there are enough practices that constitute democracy in both trade unions and cooperatives, similarities and differences in the practice of democracy in both organizations such as election pattern, admission of members, sanctioning of members, contribution of dues, and allocation of funds and so on, Government intervention on the practice of democracy in both trade unions and cooperative societies are very effective. Based on the findings the researcher recommended that Industry players should allow for more democratic process of operating cooperatives and trade unions in Nigeria, Trade unions and cooperatives should brainstorm at no distant intervals to enable them share desirable information and innovative ideas for a more prosperous service to members. It was recommended that government of the day should create an enabling environment for these united members of common interest to thrive.