INTANGIBLE RESOURCES AS PERFORMANCE DETERMINANTS OF LISTEDMONEY DEPOSIT BANKS IN NIGERIA

Abstract

This study examined the influence of ethical values on the sustainable development of
cooperative societies in Nigeria, with particular focus on transparency, accountability, and
fairness in benefit distribution. The study adopted a survey research design and was carried out
across six states representing the major geo-political and linguistic regions of Nigeria. A total
sample size of 600 respondents was purposively and proportionately selected, with 572 valid
questionnaires retrieved for analysis. The instrument for data collection was a structured
questionnaire titled Ethical Values and Cooperative Sustainability Questionnaire (EVCSQ),
which was validated by experts and tested for reliability using Cronbach’s Alpha. Data were
analysed using descriptive statistics and Pearson Product Moment Correlation at a 0.05 level of
significance. Findings revealed that transparency significantly fosters trust, reduces conflict,
and enhances cooperative sustainability. Accountability was strongly associated with improved
operational efficiency, minimisation of mismanagement, and long-term stability. Similarly,
fairness and equity in benefit distribution were found to be critical in retaining members,
promoting loyalty, and ensuring cooperative cohesion. Hypothesis testing showed significant
positive correlations for all three ethical values with cooperative sustainability, leading to the
rejection of all null hypotheses. The study concluded that ethical values are indispensable for
the growth, efficiency, and stability of cooperative societies in Nigeria. It recommends that
cooperative leaders embrace transparency, accountability, and fairness; government and
regulators enforce compliance through monitoring frameworks; and members actively
participate to safeguard ethical practices.