Abstract:
This study looked into the existing human resource development program conducted by the different primary cooperatives in Atok, Benguet and the needs and strategies to improve the HRD program.
From the 17 operational primary cooperatives there were 66 respondents, consisting of thirty five (35) management staffs and officers and thirty one (31) members. Purposive random sampling has been used in selecting the respondents. The data gathered were analyzed and interpreted using percentage and descriptive analysis.
The results showed that a greater proportion of the respondents are 41 to 50 years old, female and married. All of the respondents were able to attend formal education thus they are literate enough to understand some operation of cooperative.
The respondents perceived that the cooperatives sometimes conduct human resource development program and activities due to budget constraints. Counseling is also fast becoming the disregarded among the different human resource development program. According to the respondents they need more training, seminars and other development interventions.
It is therefore recommended, that the different primary cooperatives should review existing guidelines and policies regarding human resource development program and related activities for maximum implementation to enhance quality of performance and career mobility of the employees and members. The cooperatives should sponsor seminar, trainings, and orientation and should supports and assist the members and employees to obtain advance educational attainment to improve organizational competence for effective and efficient performance. The education of the management staff, officers and members should be continuous because the members are the next officers of the organization. The cooperatives should also provide counseling services and institutionalize career guidance for all the staffs, officers and members that would address problems on stress and other problems affecting the management staff.