4 DEPARTMENT CIRCULAR 407, U. S. DEPT, OF AGRICULTURB 
financing production by means of the crop mortgage, which prevents 
the grower from completely controlling the marketing of his crop, 
doubtless constitute the most general cause of violations. Other im- 
portant causes have their origin in misunderstandings on the part of 
the member regarding the operation of the association, dissatisfac- 
tion with the method and management, and the weak morale existing 
in varying degrees among the members of all the associations. 
The attitude of the members toward the organization presents 
serious problems for the solution of which there is little accumu- 
lated experience. These problems arise largely out of a lack of un- 
derstanding by members of the principles of marketing, of the prin- 
ciples on which their organization is based, and of the problems 
which it encounters in operation. So far as the membership problem 
is concerned, the important point is not so much what the facts are 
as what the members think they are. 
This study of membership relations was undertaken to determine 
the causes of weak membership morale, dissatisfaction with the asso- 
ciations, and contract violations. Factors that may contribute to 
weak morale in the future were included in the study. The study 
was begun in November, 1925, and the field work was completed in 
April, 1926. 
SOURCE OF DATA AND METHOD OF COLLECTION 
Four associations were selected for study in the belief that their 
problems are representative of the membership problems of the 
centralized cooperative associations in the South. These were 
among the first to be organized and their experience is similar to 
that of other associations in the South handling like commodities. 
The contract period of none of these associations had expired at 
the time the study was made, and all were confronted with the 
necessity of securing renewals of their contracts, if they were to 
continue to operate. 
Each of these associations operates over an entire State or parts 
of more than one State. The number of members of these asso- 
ciations ranges from 35,000 to 108,000. Two of the associations — 
market tobacco and two market cotton. 
Members of each association were interviewed as to their opinions 
regarding their association, their reasons for joining, the benefits 
and services obtained, and their criticisms of the organization. A 
questionnaire was used and the answers of the member were written 
down by the interviewer with the understanding that the informa- 
tion would be considered confidential as to the identity of the source, 
and would be used only for making a report on the causes of mem- 
bership satisfaction and dissatisfaction. The questionnaires were 
assembled and tabulated and are used as a basis for this circular. 
For convenience of reference each association studied is designated 
by a number used throughout the circular. 
Membership problems arise from many sources. The schedule 
was intended to provide data for study of the different problems 
now faced or to be faced in the future by these centralized organiza- 
tions. The schedule was made up to obtain information on the 
following subjects: Members’ ideas of the purposes, possibilities, and 
Saye 
