Role of Cooperatives in Job Creation for Graduates

Abstract

This study aimed to investigate the current status of unemployment among graduates of colleges and universities in the Palestinian territories, and to identify the role of cooperatives in job creation in order to contribute in reducing the unemployment rate among those graduates. For the purposes of the study, the researchers collected primary data obtained through the cooperatives, and some research and survey centers. EViews program for statistical data analysis was used for analyzing the data. Results of the analysis show that number of cooperatives, number of members, and the amount of annual funding are affecting the increase or decrease in the unemployment rate. An increase in the number of cooperatives lead to a reduction in the unemployment rate, the increase in the value of projects and funds obtained by the cooperatives lead to a reduction in the unemployment rate, and the increase the unemployment rate was associated with an increase of the number of members of cooperatives. The study has recommended that the Government should identify a strategy to solve the unemployment problem, and to provide technical and financial support to cooperatives. Also it recommended that graduates should look for joining cooperatives and work on creative thinking and leadership in the field of cooperative to create new productive jobs opportunities. The study also provided recommendations for academic institutions in order to work on encouraging cooperative thinking in the Palestinian curriculums, and to encourage scientific research and studies on cooperatives.