INFLUENCE OF CHANGE MANAGEMENT PRACTICES ON GOVERNANCE EFFECTIVENESS OF MULTI-PURPOSE COOPERATIVE SOCIETIES IN ANAMBRA STATE, NIGERIA

Purpose: This study examines the influence of change management practices on governance effectiveness in multi-purpose cooperative societies in Onitsha South, Anambra State, Nigeria, focusing on strategic planning, leadership change, and feedback mechanisms.Design/Methodology/Approach: A descriptive survey design was employed. Questionnaires were administered to 286 cooperative members and executives, with 250 valid responses analyzed using multiple regression.Findings: Strategic planning, leadership change, and feedback mechanisms each exert significant positive effects on governance effectiveness, with strategic planning emerging as the strongest predictor.Practical Implications: Cooperative societies can strengthen transparency, accountability, and decision-making by institutionalizing structured change management practices.Originality/Value: The study provides empirical evidence on the role of change management in improving governance outcomes in Nigerian cooperative societies. Plain Language SummaryThis study looks at how practices for managing change affect the way multi-purpose cooperative societies in Anambar State, Nigeria, are governed. Cooperatives are member-owned organizations that rely on effective leadership, transparency, and accountability to succeed. However, many face challenges like poor planning, leadership issues, and limited feedback from members. We surveyed 286 members and leaders of selected cooperatives and analyzed 250 responses to see how three main change management practices that include: strategic planning, leadership change, and feedback systems impact governance. The results show that cooperatives that plan effectively, manage leadership transitions well, and listen to their members through feedback mechanisms have stronger governance. They make better decisions, are more accountable, and operate more transparently. In simple terms, structured approaches to managing change help cooperatives run more smoothly and make sure the organization works for the benefit of all members. The study suggests that cooperative leaders and policymakers should prioritize planning, leadership development, and feedback systems to strengthen governance and ensure sustainable performance