Comparative Analysis of Group Dynamics across Developmental stages of Dairy-Based Farmer Producer Organizations in Karnataka

Abstract

Farmer Producer Organizations (FPO) aggregate smallholders to enhance bargaining power and facilitate access to inputs, credit, and markets. Acknowledging the centrality of group dynamics to the efficacy of FPO, this study was conducted in Karnataka with Ex Post Facto research design. Nine dairy‑based FPOs were selected, three each at Incubation, Growing, and Matured stages with randomly sampled 30 farmer‑members and 5 office‑bearers per FPO making a total sample size of 315 respondents. A twelve‑dimension index to measure group dynamics was developed. An F‑test and Duncan’s Multiple Range Test revealed significant stage-wise differences in team spirit, decision‑making, cohesiveness, membership involvement, motivation, norms, and task functions, as well as overall dynamics. Correlation analysis indicated strong positive associations between group dynamics and education, FPO experience, landholding, income, economic motivation, risk orientation, extension participation, and herd size, whereas age, family size, and dairying experience were negligible. Understanding these variations in group dynamics can shape policies that enhance performance and sustainability of dairy FPO.