Cooperativismo y emprendimiento social: alternativas para el bien común

Abstract

The crises and economic, technological and social developments promote the formation of innovative and creative initiatives, which seek to reduce exclusions and social inequalities in the territories. Among these initiatives, cooperatives, the popular and solidarity economy and social entrepreneurship are identified, alternatives that share principles, practices and objectives aimed at the common good. In this context, this research aims to analyze the application of cooperative principles and the entrepreneurial intention of the people associated with the Jardín Azuayo Savings and Credit Cooperative. The data processing was carried out through the application of descriptive-explanatory-correlational quantitative techniques, based on the data obtained in the survey applied to a representative sample of 267 people. The results showed a «very high» level of perception of the application of cooperative principles, with the exception of the principle «economic participation among members». Regarding entrepreneurial intention, most of the associates have a «very high» level, observing that female members have a greater entrepreneurial intention than men. Finally, a positive and significant relationship is shown between the cooperative principles and the entrepreneurial intention of the members of the COAC Jardín Azuayo from Cuenca Canton, with the exception of the principle «economic participation among the members». In conclusion, cooperativism and social entrepreneurship, due to their collective and cooperative nature, drive development by promoting a social and solidarity economy, which has local roots, but has a global impact