The manager of a cooperative is generally hired by whom?

• A. Board of directors
• B. Members at large
• C. CEO of a parent company
• D. External recruitment firm

Answer: (A)

In a cooperative, governance is carried out by a board of directors who represent the members. The board is responsible for hiring and supervising the manager (or CEO), who runs the day-to-day operations and carries out the board’s policy and strategic direction. Members elect the board, but the actual hiring authority rests with the board to ensure the manager’s duties align with member interests and the coop’s goals.

That’s why the board of directors is the best answer. Members at large don’t directly hire management, a CEO of a parent company isn’t the typical structure for a cooperative, and while an external recruitment firm might assist in the process, the final hiring decision rests with the board.