1. Introduction
Humanity participates in historical structural changes at a productive, economic, environmental, and mainly social level. This has required rapid and constant adaptation with the sole objective of improving living conditions and contributions to productivity from a country in one way or another. Therefore, these changes have motivated people with low economic resources to stand out by joining their strengths, knowledge, and skills to achieve social and economic development in rural places or places that are unattractive to capitalist industry. In this context, cooperatives are generated that allow the generation of actions aimed at meeting social objectives from an interpersonal division of labor due to their organizational system, which is expressed in organizational structures and the relationships between them [
1].
Indeed, cooperatives are recognized as essential actors in the economic and social development of a country, which has been vital for the fulfillment of the sustainable development objectives set by the United Nations Organization (UN). Through the inclusion of people from their communities, sustainable employment has represented a total of 279.4 million people worldwide dedicated to various activities and functions. Therefore, due to the diversification of the context of a cooperative, the International Organization of Industrial, Craft, and Service Production Cooperatives (CICOPA) identifies savings and credit cooperatives as accessible financial entities for people seeking financing to set up a business, access to education, or for some other basic need; with regard to services, entrepreneurs and producers seek to associate to educate themselves, learn new trends about their business, and develop new skills that contribute to their negotiating power [
2,
3]
In Ecuador, since the end of the 11th century, the philosophy of cooperativism was spread by the union and political and intellectual delegates as a way of life, which has included the joint work of people for a common family good or community since ancient times. Cooperativism in the country had a greater effect and motivation in the agrarian sector—sponsored mainly in the Sierra region—where, based on the first law of cooperatives, it focused on contributing to social purposes. Of those involved, non-profits were promoted by solidarity and economic improvement. In turn, within the first legal framework established in 1937, the internal and administrative processes of the cooperatives are detailed; the same ones still apply today. In short, the development of cooperatives has been backed by the law, which recognizes and classifies them as production, credit, consumption, and service, and are in turn regulated by their competent entities [
4,
5].
This is how the high level of importance of cooperatives is evidenced, which motivates a broad search for reasons that justify and allow us to understand how the cooperative system has created sources of work. These entities have dynamically preserved their stay within the economy. Since the central resource for an organization to function and be maintained is people, it is essential to know the behavior and contribution generated by human resources and whether it depends on their abilities, skills, and attitudes to guarantee stability, profitability, and productivity for an entity. Therefore, we proceed to investigate and analyze a case study of an entity under the cooperative profile called “Cooperative of Artisan Women TEJEMUJERES”, which has more than 25 years in the market. It is vital to analyze if the abilities, skills, and competencies possessed by human resources are a crucial factor in the preservation of the cooperative system. Therefore, the application of the “Work with the People” (WWP) model will be supported, which is an approach and evaluation system of current projects under a social development plan based on teamwork and its need to connect acquired knowledge and actions. In addition to the technical value that is guaranteed in the production of goods and services, this also values the person who executes it in order to constitute a practical model because this is aligned with the objectives that cooperatives want to meet. Therefore, the topic focuses on solving the following question: How do competencies contribute to the development of the cooperative system?
4. Results
4.1. Sample
The sample was incidental and was made up of 85 women from the Tejemujeres cooperative of artisans. The mean age of the participants was 41 years (SD = 5.76). Regarding the level of education, 55.6% of the participants indicated that they had completed high school studies, while 48.4% have basic level studies at most. Regarding the marital status of the respondents, 69% were married, 16% were single, 4% indicated that they maintain a de facto union, and 3% identified themselves as single mothers. Furthermore, 27% of the members of the cooperative reside in the canton, and the rest of the women are located in Daniel Córdova, Luis Cordero, and Mariano Moreno at 24%, 22%, and 7%, respectively. It is also shown that 30% of the women travel to reach the cooperative around 30 min, and less than 5% have to travel more than an hour. Finally, 55.7% of the participants in the study indicated that their main activity is agriculture, and only 30% dedicated their main activity to crafts.
The results obtained in the questionnaire for each of the dimensions and their competencies are detailed below and have made a group comparison through level of schooling, age range, and main economic activity.
4.2. Item Analysis
Documentary information collection instruments were used in the study. Through the survey, it was possible to carry out the content analysis in the information analysis stage; conversely, in the descriptive statistical report, the accumulated data for certain sections allowed for the application of some inferential statistical analysis.
At first glance, it could be indicated that there is an asymmetry in the information— that is to say, that the sample is normally distributed (
Figure 5)—which gives rise to the contrast in the results of the questionnaire and the trust that the dimensions are related to the competencies. However, it can be seen that there are items that do not correspond to the parameters because they are outside the established range <|1|, which may be because the item may not be sufficient or the dimensions of select items are too closely related and could be combined.
After analyzing the distribution of the data, it can be observed that the distribution is normal. The developed questionnaire seeks to measure the perceived value of competencies. For this section, SPSS statistics version 26 was used, while Stata and some Reviews checks were used for factorial analysis for the ease of calculating the factor loading and seeing them from a graphical perspective.
The analysis of the items corresponds to the pre-established dimensions according to the WWP model—Context, Social, and Technical—which determine the complexity of the project and the skills for project management.
4.3. Reliability
The reliability of the study has been verified by applying Cronbach’s alpha. Reliability directly related to the validity of the measure is the consistency of the results between items. Cronbach’s alpha indicates how closely certain elements are related as a set. It is considered a measure of scale reliability [
32,
33]. The values expressed for Cronbach’s alpha are acceptable and are detailed below as shown in the
Table 1:
According to the results obtained in the
Table 2, the artisans affirm that the cooperative has allowed them to develop their skills (with an average value of 3.06), which highlights the variables with the highest scores: “Teamwork” and “Communication”, respectively, and finally “Leadership”.
Concerning the results obtained in
Table 3, the Focus Group shows that the artisans relate the variable “Leadership” with the structural changes suffered in the management of the cooperative as a result of the recent losses generated, the departure of the partners, migration, prolonged administrative instability, the absence of new market opportunities, the decrease in income, and the increase in costs. On the contrary, the variable “Communication” is related to the development of ICT that involve internal and external customers. The variable “Teamwork” is articulated to the high level of training that they have.
After the description, the load of the dimensions proposed by the WWP model is analyzed through the AFC to start with a relationship previously contrasted by the theory. In the model proposed for the measurements corresponding to the WWP, it is observed that the items are bidirectional and have a high load. The factors considered are: age, level of schooling, and main economic activity (
Figure 6).
Through an ANOVA analysis of differences in means, the evaluation of the importance that the Tejemujeres give to each of the dimensions proposed by the WWP model is observed. As shown in
Table 4, the participants gave a high value to skills that involve the technical dimension with an average score of 5.71, followed by the contextual dimension with 5.01, and the social dimension is the least appreciated. It is important to observe that for the three dimensions of the model, statistical significance is met, which allows us to infer that in all dimensions of the WWP model, the competencies are relevant for the study groups that meet the characteristics of the Tejemujeres.
4.4. Political—Contextual Dimension
Regarding the scores reported by the artisans concerning the competencies associated with contextual politics, there is a high domain (M = 4.01; SD = 1.02).
The results of the study on the competencies of the political-contextual dimension indicated that the artisans gave a higher score to the ability to make decisions (M = 4.76; SD = 1.86), followed by creativity (M = 3.51; SD = 1.21), entrepreneurship (M = 3.37; SD = 1.61), planning (M = 3.24; SD = 1.21), and analytical thinking.
Next, a series of comparisons is presented, which considers age, level of schooling, and main economic activity as grouping factors (
Figure 7 and
Table 5).
4.5. Social Ethics Dimension
Regarding the scores reported by the artisans concerning the skills associated with social ethics, there is an intermediate domain (M = 3.31; SD = 1.59). The results of the study showed that regarding the competencies of the ethical-social dimension, the artisans gave a higher value to teamwork (M = 4.76; SD = 1.16) and relational skills (M = 4.71; SD = 1.21), followed by a high value for respect (M = 3.97; SD = 1.41), and finally assertiveness (M = 3.54; SD = 1.61). Next, a series of comparisons is presented, which considers age, level of schooling, and main economic activity as grouping factors (
Figure 8 and
Table 6).
4.6. Technical-Business Dimension
Concerning the scores reported by the artisans in the skills associated with the technical business dimension, a medium domain is evident (M = 3.31; SD = 1.59). When analyzing the results of the study, it is shown that the artisans gave a higher value to collaborative work (M = 3.96; SD = 1.82) and commercial skills (M = 4.11; SD = 1.81), followed by digital skills (M = 2.97; SD = 1.01), and finally skills in social networks (M = 1.45; SD = 1.01). Next, a series of comparisons is presented, which considers age, level of schooling, and main economic activity as grouping factors (
Figure 9,
Figure 10 and
Figure 11 and
Table 7).
6. Conclusions
Currently, the organization and constitution of cooperatives is a key factor to contribute to the economy of a country because it allows for a reduction of factors such as poverty, employment, and informal business, as stated by CICOPA, an organization that gives an exhaustive analysis of these entities in order to know their level of participation on both national and international scales.
The research from the ANOVA analysis allowed us to characterize the turn of the business of Tejemujeres from the international parameters for an adequate direction of projects. These projects are guided by technical criteria to promote interest so that members can acquire solid knowledge related to their activities of work without neglecting the importance of contextual aspects such as motivation, decision-making power, and the determination to progress—which are based on values—and their ability to interact and relate to others.
From this perspective, the competencies that stand out the most in the technical dimension are commercial skills and collaborative work, which show that people between 36 and 50 years of age are dedicated to crafts, and that various economic activities under an average level of education are more accurately reflected. In addition, it can be shown that, within the political-contextual framework, the competence that stands out the most is the ability to make decisions. However, if it is evaluated based on the range parameter, in regard to the age factor, people between 36 and 50 years old dedicated to handicrafts maintain more solid and well-established competence despite their basic level of studies.
Likewise, within the ethical-social framework, teamwork stands out as a primary competence; however, under analysis by age factor, economic activity, and level of schooling, it is identified that a high level of self-esteem is preserved in women of 24 to 35 years of age from various areas with basic levels of study.
Once the results have been exposed, the question that encompasses this research can be answered by demonstrating that competencies are vital in an organization since they directly affect the achievement of institutional objectives and can allow them to adapt to the context in which they operate. Their development is not always easy to build or measure because they depend on several factors that are related to the characteristics of their members [
1]. On the contrary, the WWP model makes it possible to put the situation the organization is going through into context and captures the perception and incidence of the organization in the lives of women who feel identified and proud of their achievements at an institutional and personal level. The situation supports this cooperative system and guarantees a very dynamic, collaborative working environment that motivates personal and professional interest and, above all, promotes common well-being.
As indicated by Ávila, Schmal, Rivero, and Vidal it is vital to have a strategic direction and organizational culture that allow for the establishment of tools and strategies that promote greater development in the cooperative system [
37,
38]. This is especially relevant to the skills management process based on the development of a skills manual in which management processes are attributed by competencies in such a way that it operationalizes the behaviors and conducts. This in itself will benefit the organization to have a clear and precise objective towards the common good and focus on results. As evidenced in the dimensions of the WWP model, contextual skills have been fundamental and very well-developed within the Tejemujeres cooperative and are reflected in its 30 years of institutional life. Which has allowed them to properly manage relationship systems with their strategic allies, leaders, and co-workers—especially at home—by promoting values and making weaving an activity to break with the social paradigms of the area, as well as integrating family members in the embroidery activity [
28].
According to Melgarejo, competencies are based on the interest of the person and the opportunities obtained by having experience [
39]. Therefore, just as Tejemujeres promotes a mechanism based on the development of competencies, some studies confirm the importance of maintaining and nurturing competencies in its members [
40]. Once again, it is affirmed how valuable creativity, teamwork, and cooperativism are to lead an entity that is highly competitive since it builds loyalty among internal customers and considers them as partners and owners of the company. In this way, the objectives of the company, owners, collaborators, and employees are always aligned.
From the results of the investigation, a response is given to the proposed hypotheses. The training programs that have been implemented with the women of the cooperative have allowed them to develop skills as artisans. However, there is evidence of a lack of training in the areas that are required to be able to carry out adequate management of the projects, which is reflected in the fact that the cooperative fails to adequately articulate the social and business vision of the organization.
There is no doubt that the organization is made up of women and leaders committed to institutional objectives, which is why it represents a space for personal and organizational growth. However, within the economic aspect, it does not represent an alternative that generates necessary income for the artisans and it allows for more hours to be dedicated to the elaboration of fabrics and fewer working hours to be dedicated to the activities of indigenous women in rural areas of the canton (such as agriculture, raising small animals, homemaking). The situation is of significant concern since it directly influences the new generations because they do not consider Tejemujeres as an economic alternative and prefer to be linked to other work activities.
In contrast, the organizational capacity at a personal and group level to achieve the fulfillment of objectives in the short, medium, and long term requires the commitment, values, and skills of those involved. Therefore, it reflects the competencies demonstrated by the leaders and artisans and their commitment within the framework of the functioning of the cooperative system from the social dimension, which revolves around the weaving activity. Over the years, weaving has been losing space due to factors related to the economic situation, level of study, homework, etc.
Despite its long history and experience in the sector of making artisan fabrics, the cooperative prioritizes its social production system, which is characterized by adapting to the socio-economic conditions of the artisans. It makes use of computerized tools, promotes systems of participation and accountability, and constantly innovate processes, but has not yet managed to achieve greater economic development; on the contrary, it has experienced a series of problems that have affected its performance, which is reflected in the situation. Although profits have been reported since 2017, these are minimal and dependency has been generated on a single buyer who acquires 95% of the production; the remaining 5% is seldom placed in local markets due to competition from products from China, Bolivia, and Peru whose production costs and prices do not allow them to compete on equal footing. The model from the technical-business dimension contextualizes this problem. The skills necessary for project management have not been adequately internalized, and this situation is due to several factors that affect the lives of artisans.
Given this situation, questions arise that may be the subject of studies for this type of experience and are detailed below: Could it be determined that it is a successful project or not? Being a non-financial production cooperative, what vision should prevail? What or how should be the strategy so that human and social capital is on par with financial capital? These concerns are directed toward the recognition of the experience that has been recognized for 30 years at the local and international level, which could be extrapolated to other similar experiences for two-way learning that opens paths to more permanent solutions.
The Tejemujeres case study serves as a guide or business model for other cooperatives that seek the well-being and integration of their employees in the face of the diversity of internal activities that require the development of skills or abilities regardless of if they are technical, contextual, or social. In contrast, it puts the problems of these social processes in context and motivates other organizations, industries, small entrepreneurs, companies, or social businesses to promote products and processes with social responsibility that involve their members and the community in order to generate a positive impact on the local and national level and, subsequently, at the international level. According to what has been described, this research serves as a reference for projects related to personal, social, local, economic, business/productive development, sustainability, and ICT integration.