Enhancing cooperative governance capacity in Ha Giang province: Designing and testing a modern governance framework

Abstract

In the context of economic transition, cooperatives in Ha Giang face significant challenges in governance and competitiveness. This study designs and tests a five-pillar governance model (Organizational Philosophy, Governance Structure, Information Transparency, Stakeholder Management, and Self-Regulation) for cooperatives in Ha Giang to enhance operational efficiency and promote sustainable development. Data were collected through action research and a case study at Dong Que Cooperative, utilizing surveys, interviews, and pilot implementation. The results demonstrate that the model improves operational productivity, enhances information transparency, and strengthens internal coordination. The study confirms the model’s feasibility in a mountainous context and proposes solutions related to training, technology, finance, and policy to facilitate its scalability, contributing a flexible governance framework tailored to the specific characteristics of cooperatives in Ha Giang.