Authors: Emmanouil Paterakis, Panagiota Sergaki

Title: Exploring the operation of the staff in environments of the Social and Solidarity Economy and the Public Sector: Similarities and Differences

Abstract

¹Emmanouil Paterakis, MSc Researcher, HOU, email: std504365@ac.eap.gr
²Panagiota Sergaki, Associate Professor, SEP member HOU, email: sergaki.panagiota@ac.eap.gr

Abstract

Social and Solidarity Economy (SSE) is a blooming area in Greece that includes several kinds of cooperatives, mutual benefit societies, associations, foundations and social enterprises, pursuing both economic and social aims and fostering solidarity”. It is mostly represented by KOINSEP and cooperatives in Greece. The main aim of this research is to investigate how the staff in a. KOINSEP, b. agricultural cooperatives (AC) and c. the public sector (PS) corresponds in issues as “cooperation”, “trust”, “conflict”, “satisfaction”, “insecurity” and “dedication”, elements that contribute to their smooth operation.

Moreover, the paper presents the basic similarities and differences in these different workplaces with the help of a semi-structured questionnaire answered from personnel in key positions (Heads and Directors of Public Services, Leaders-Managers of KOINSEP. and Presidents-Managers of the Agricultural Cooperatives). 216 questionnaires were analyzed with the help of SPSS program and valuable information were gathered regarding their most important problems, modernization issues, distance working and social capital.

The results reveal that there are large differences between these categories of organizations. In the public sector (PS) staff appears neither to fully trust their colleagues nor to exploit their potentials. This situation results in increased conflict and mal-communication among them. The staff is dissatisfied with the governance (for example the directors do not fully exploit the employees’ potentials as well as they use unfair tactics). Finally, there is a complete lack of team spirit. On the contrary, KOINSEP and Cooperatives’ members seem to have a harmonious team spirit, excellent cooperation and trust among them. They appear to trust their management and this facilitates teamwork, loyalty and dedication. At the same time, it was confirmed that they trust their colleagues and are dedicated to them and their work. Moreover, they do not afraid to disagree with the manager.

Individual interviews reveal that the public sector lags behind in training issues on e-governance and public administration. In KOINSEP they have to face liquidity problems but at the same time they try to include people from vulnerable groups in the work. The Cooperatives strive for high quality olive oil and vegetables.

Keywords: Governance, Public Sector, Agricultural Cooperatives, KOINSEP, Communication, Conflict, Loyalty, Insecurity, Satisfaction

JEL code: Q00, L31, L33, P32