Description
These Guidebooks are designed to provide practical information on governance best practices for use by directors in effectively leading their agricultural cooperatives. We have extracted much of the material from presentations made by faculty at our director training programs sponsored by the Institute for Cooperative Director Training ™ . In addition, information presented by other cooperative governance professionals in articles and publications is included in these Guidebooks. Their insights and perspectives are much appreciated. The content of these Guidebooks also incorporates the observations, judgments, and insights of its authors, Harvey A. Meier, based on his experience since 1971 as a university professor at Oregon State University; a CEO and as a senior executive; board director and chairperson; and service as a confidential adviser to for-profit and non-profit cooperatives and privately held companies and organizations, and of Phil Kenkel, who specializes in cooperative research, undergraduate education and industry support programs through his position as Bill Fitzwater Cooperative Chair at Oklahoma State University.
These practical guidebooks do not attempt to address all the governance topics involved with an agricultural cooperative. Rather, the topics addressed are representative of the questions most frequently asked of faculty at the Institute's director training courses; during its in-house board training programs; and in conjunction with its board and CEO advisory consulting services. The Guidebook goals are to heighten awareness and to facilitate discussion of board roles and responsibilities and member communication.
We hope these guidebooks make your work as a cooperative director more effective and fulfilling, add to your wisdom and understanding of board governance best practices and cooperative finance, and enable you to lead and conduct board and member meetings successfully.