Introduction

For any country its people are the central assets and all round development and harmonious growth of a nation depends on the utilisation of human resources. Women are the most disadvantaged section of society especially in developing and under developed countries. The choices of women are extremely limited and they lack both assets and power to negotiate better institutions both formally and informally (Narayan et al, 2000). Therefore, poor people need assets and capabilities to increase their wellbeing and security, as well as their self-confidence. But, due to lack of voice, power and social barriers, poor people especially women, are often unable to take advantage of opportunities to exercise their individual rights. In this context, interventionist policies of states and intermediate civil society groups can play a transformative role in developmental prospects.

Theoretical Discourse on SHGs in Developmental Perspectives

Since 1970s, with the emergence of feminist movement group approach has developed world wide as a major social phenomenon for poverty alleviation and women empowerment. As a result, Self Help Group (SHG) approach has become one of the new paradigms for combating poverty and community development with special emphasis on social mobility and livelihood security. The success of Self Employed Women's Association (SEWA), Mysore Resettlement and Development Agency (MYRADA) in India and Garmeen Bank in Bangladesh has induced most of the Third World countries to adopt group approach as a form of interventionist policy programme in their national policies for reducing poverty and social development. Consequently SHGs in India are used as a mission for 'Building poor people's institution' to provide economic help to weaker section of people especially to women (Fernandez, 2007). In 1999, Government of India has initiated the Swarnajayanti Gram Swarozgar Yojana (SGSY) policy by forming SHGs to develop the capacity of poor, especially women. SHGs are small informal associations created for the purpose of enabling members to reap economic benefit out of mutual help, solidarity, and joint responsibility (Anand, 2002). SHG is defined as a small group structures for mutual aid to accomplish a particular purpose. In this group, the members come together to share a common experience and eventually create an opportunity to mobilise resources in the pursuit of needs and interests (Kurtz, 1981). The SHG approach is important for social mobilisation. The process of social mobilisation is accompanied and complemented by economic security. As long as the disadvantaged groups suffer from economic deprivation and livelihood insecurity, they will not mobilise themselves. The SHG approach is basically a community development approach wherein the very poor members of a community are organised with a common objective for their socio-economic development and also for overall community development.

Objectives and Research Questions

The Self Help approach is a unique form of help that can lead to improvement in self esteem, capacity and skill development, leadership and collective mobilisation for social change. It becomes an integral part of the human services where one can find proper scope to re-examine their lives through collective efforts artistically. This paper intends to highlight how SHGs help in developing group behaviour and leadership quality of women. For this purpose present paper is guided by some research questions like how far SHG initiatives have been effective in continuing its functioning? How are the poor women organised into groups? Have SHGs been able to develop group behaviour and leadership among the rural people who are vulnerable and lack skills and capability? Are the groups efficient enough in organising group behaviour for community development?

Methodology

To fulfil the objectives and research questions, multi stage purposive random sampling has been used for selecting the study area and samples of this study. The present study was conducted in two Development Blocks i.e. Juria and Batadrawa of Nagaon District of Assam. Nagaon district is one of the 27 districts of Assam having highest population and the highest concentration of rural population (86.97 per cent) compared to the other districts of Assam. On the other hand, it has the second highest of total SHGs formed under SGSY in Assam. The universe of the study consists of SHGs registered under SGSY scheme from 1 August, 1999 to 31 March, 2012. On the basis of continuing the functioning of SHGs, Block Development office has provided data of 507 SHGs and out of it 30 per cent, that is 81 from Batadrawa and 71 from Juria, total 152 groups and one member from each group has been selected through systematic random sampling. In addition to this few focused group discussions (FGD) were conducted to understand the overall functioning of groups in developing their collective behaviour and leadership.

Discussion and Analysis

Socio-Economic Background of the Respondents

To know the role of SHGs in developing group behaviour and leadership, it is important to study the socio-economic background of the members. Socio-economic background helps in deriving a comprehensive picture of the respondents and the society in which they live. In this study age, religion, marital status, level of education, occupations both primary and secondary etc. are considered as socio-economic variables.

In this study, 152 samples were selected where 44.7 per cent respondents render their services as presidents, 31.6 per cent as members and 23.7 per cent respondents as secretaries. Among them 63.8 per cent respondents are Muslims and 36.2 per cent respondents are Hindus. It also reveals that majority of the respondents that is (62.5 per cent) belong to the age group of 29-39 years and 34.9 per cent respondents belongs to the age group of 40-50 years, which indicates larger portion of respondents belong to responsible and matured women group. As far as educational qualifications are concerned majority (58.6 per cent) of the respondents are confined to primary level followed by 38.8 per cent of the respondents of high school level and 2.6 per cent of higher secondary level. Though, no respondent is found to be illiterate, it does not mean that there are no illiterate women in rural areas. It indicates that SHGs are formed by conscious people and illiterate families are not getting sufficient scope to include themselves as members of SHGs.

The occupational status reveals that majority (69.1 per cent) of the respondents' primary occupation is animal husbandry whereas 12.5 per cent respondents are petty business owners, 11.2 per cent are related with weaving and only 4.6 per cent are engaged in cultivation. Hence, it indicates that all the respondents are involved in traditional activities. Though, SGSY programme has a provision of skill development but members are not getting government provided facilities related with economic activities in order to improve their economic condition which can help women in generating additional resources and income in their family.

Group Behaviour

Group behaviour is important in ensuring effectiveness of any organisation. It provides a forum for collective learning where people get friendly environment as compared to individual approach. It promotes democratic culture where rights and responsibilities are equally respected.

The study stresses on the structural aspects of groups such as number of members, group meeting and collective activity performed by group which are used to assess the group process of respondents. Group meeting is very essential for the smooth functioning of group activities. The practice of group meeting creates the environment of solidarity, better understanding and develops co-operation and co-ordination among members. The study revealed that more than 90 per cent of group members are between 10 to 15 in number and group meetings are held regularly on fortnight and monthly basis, where 82.2 per cent members saw to it that all members attend meetings and 88.2 per cent respondents ensured that attendance registers, account books, minutes of meetings of the groups are up-to-date. It indicates the existence of internal transparency in accumulating their group behaviour.

The above table shows collective activity performed by the groups and their participation. It reveals that 81.6 per cent of SHGs are undertaking social service activities. But, as far as the level of participation in social service of group members is concerned, only 15.3 per cent of the members participate in social service activities fully and 84.7 per cent of the respondents participated moderately. On the other hand, 55.9 per cent of the groups perform group activity in mobilising community for women's issues followed by 65.1 per cent in raising voice against social problems and helping needy people, 50 per cent in taking decisions about political issues at local or village level, 88.8 per cent takes collective decision on voting during election and 99.3 per cent of the respondents opined, groups undertake the activity on the level of personal problems of group members. But as far as participation of respondents is concerned, majority members moderately participated on all levels except for personal problems of group members where 87.4 per cent of the respondents fully participated.

It also clarifies that majority of the groups are not performing activities like involvement in development activities, activities of Panchayati Raj system and making non-members aware about the benefits of SHGs. It does not mean that members are not interested in performing and participating in these activities. Actually, the participation of members is negligible due to lack of proper supports from societal environment. The respondents opined that they are not treated well equally by the government officials.

The study indicates that group members accumulate only to solve their personal problems and to take decision on voting during election. Table 1 also depicts the mean scores of participation in collective activities of group members and it shows that highest score is 2.86 in personal problems of group members followed by 2.27 on voting decision. The lowest mean score is 1.03 in the activities of Panchayati Raj system and 1.08 for the involvement in development activities. Though SHGs are used as instrument for community development but this study reflects the ineffectiveness of SHGs in community development. It also reveals that majority of the respondents do not participate in the Panchayati Raj activities like gram sabha and other developmental activities. It is revealed from the opinions of the respondents that in rural areas, no public meeting of panchayat is organised in practice and there is no provision of SHG members to participate in Panchayati Raj activities. The respondents stressed on the importance of involving SHG members in the activities of panchayats for strengthening the process of grassroots democracy. They are very optimistic about engaging themselves in the panchayat's activities for proper implementation of government policy at the grassroots level, which will in turn help to reduce corruption and ensure development of rural areas.

The above table shows that there is no significant difference between two blocks regarding participation of group activity among members as the mean scores of Juria block is 14.86 and Batadrawa is 15.28 and t = 1.000. (Significance level calculated at P<0.05). It indicates that nature of group activity is same in both the blocks of the study area.

Leadership Development

SHGs can help the members to develop leadership qualities by involving various activities of SHGs. The presence of a strong and dynamic leadership is an important factor for the successful functioning of SHGs in organising collective process. The study reveals that group leader is selected by decision or consensus of all members where 48.7 per cent of the respondents expressed that selection of group leader is made on the basis of being educated and informed, followed by 39.5 per cent of being honest and active, and 11.8 per cent of having the ability to talk with government officials. Though these factors are preferred in selection of group leader but there is the provision of changing group leaders where 90.1 per cent respondents opine that they have a lot of influence in choosing their group leaders. The study also reveals that majority (97.4 per cent) of group leaders are accountable about their activities and decisions of the groups are taken on the basis of consensus of all members. This indicates the existence of internal accountability, leadership transparency and democratic values within the groups.

The study also tries to assess the process of improving leadership and it reveals that majority of the respondents expressed their view moderately on provision of teaching facility to group members, giving facility to participate in training programmes and acquiring new knowledge on income generating activity. It also clears that majority of the members have high views about free discussion within the members to find out innovative ideas (67.8 per cent) followed by participating in social service activities (57.2 per cent), maintenance of basic accounts of group fund (57.9 per cent), providing facility to transact with bank (56.6 per cent), organising collective decision in election process (55.9 per cent) and providing financial strength through savings (90.1 per cent). The above table also illustrates the mean scores on the improvement of leadership quality acquired by members and it shows that highest score is 2.89 obtained through group in financial aspects by accumulation of saving and the lowest mean score is for financially strong satisfaction on group activities and it shows that highest score is 1.96 on acquiring new knowledge on income generating activity.

This indicates, SHGs help to improve personal capacity through the process of their interaction with other members. They have not only gained additional knowledge but have also acquired the skill to deal with various actors. Due to frequent interaction with their fellow members, the awareness and attitude of rural women have changed towards taking up of innovative activities. Members are more confident in making decisions in household matters. But, SHGs failed to create good quality of leadership among members in taking up community issues where respondents opined that due to lack of managerial capacity and external collateral support, members are unable to develop such quality.

To substantiate group behaviour and leadership development through SHGs the study stressed on satisfaction of group members in group activities and it reveals that 50.7 per cent of respondents are highly satisfied followed by 25 per cent satisfied, 7.9 per cent neutral and 16.4 per cent dissatisfied with the functioning of SHGs. Similarly majority (75.7 per cent) of the respondents are highly satisfied with the community support followed by 25 per cent with the cooperation from fellow members of group where 58.6 per cent of the respondents feel high level of satisfaction. Again 75.7 per cent of the respondents are satisfied with the support of their family. The above table also shows the mean scores of the satisfaction on group activities and it shows that the highest score is 3.35 obtained on community support and the lowest mean scores are 2.26 and 2.34 on the performance of group leaders, role of NGOs and assistance of government on SHGs.

So, the above analysis indicates that members are not satisfied with the functioning of SHGs. Though, groups are performing some activities in accumulating their internal behaviour but the sustainability of such behaviour is very weak as group members do not get any external support in developing their capacity either from government or NGOs. On the other hand majority members are neutral about and dissatisfied with the performance of the group leader, initiative of NGOs and government facilities regarding group. From the above analysis, it is clear that government and NGOs are not taking proper initiatives regarding group management and empowering women. As the study covers the SHGs under SGSY scheme so it is not possible for unskilled members to retain their collective behaviour in empowerment process without the help from government.

Conclusion and Suggestions

Though group approach is successful in developing group behaviour and leadership quality but it is clear that SHG initiative has not been fully successful in developing capacity and leadership process as the activities of groups are not properly monitored or evaluated by the government officials. It has been observed in the field experiences that indifferent attitudes of the government officials come to the fore as de-motivating factor in effective functioning of the groups. Though women in rural areas have the ability to organise and perform their group activity but due to lack of collateral support and guidance members are not able to acquire skills in organising collective efforts in involving community activities. It is also evident that there is absence of motivation both from NGOs and other promoting institutions in organising strong group behaviour and leadership among women. So, it can be suggested that Government should appoint community resource person in every Panchayat for monitoring and providing guidance for the group activity. There is need for more training centres which should be established at every Panchayat level instead of district and block levels to develop the managerial skills and leadership qualities among members. Similarly, village wise, panchayat wise and block wise formation of SHG federation for mobilising strong group behaviour in community activity. Only concentrated efforts of state and society are required to sustain the group approach in developing group behaviour and leadership quality among women for their empowerment as well as community.

References

Anand, S.J. (2002), Self-Help Groups in Empowering Women: Case study of selected SHGs and NHGs, Kerala Research Programme on Local Level Development, Centre for Development Studies, Discussion Paper, No. 38.

Fernandez Aloysius P. (2007), History and spread of the self-help affinity group movement in India, The Asia and the Pacific Division, IFAD.

Kurtz, H. A. (1981), Self help and Mutual Aid: An Emerging social movement? Annual Review of Sociology, Vol. 7.

Narayan, D. & Patel, R. Schafft, K., Rademacher, A., Koch-Schulte, S. (2000), Voices of the Poor, Can Anyone Hear Us? Oxford University Press, World Bank.

Mofidul Islam (*) and Jayanta Krishna Sarmah ([dagger])

(*) Research Scholar, Department of Political Science, Gauhati University.

E-mail: mofidulislam07@gmail.com

([dagger]) Associate Professor, Department of Political Science, Gauhati University.

E-mail: jayantal947@gmail.com

Table 1 Collective Activities Performed by Group

Variable           Activities      Participation
                   performed
                   by group
                   Yes     No      Full    Moderate  Low     Mean  SD

Social service     124      28      19      105              1.94  .555
activities         (81.6)  (18.4)  (15.3)   (84.7)
Mobilisation        85      67       4       81              1.59  .545
of community       (55.9)  (44.1)   (4.7)   (95.3)
for women issues
Social problems     99      53      11       88              1.72  .589
and helping        (65.1)  (34.9)  (11.1)   (88.9)
needy people
Decision on         76      76       3       73              1.52  .539
political issues   (50.0)  (50.0)   (3.9)   (96.1)
(local or
village politics)
Decision on        135      17      58       77              2.27  .651
vote in time       (88.8)  (11.2)  (43.0)   (57.0)
of election
Personal           151       1     132       19              2.86  .365
problems of        (99.3)    (.7)  (87.4)   (12.6)
group members
Involvement in       9     143       3        6              1.08  .336
development         (5.9)  (94.1)  (33.3)   (66.7)
activities
Activities of        4     148                4              1.03  .161
Panchayati          (2.6)  (97.4)          (100)
Raj System
Making              14     138       1       10        3     1.08  .294
non-members         (9.2)  (90.8)   (7.1)   (71.4)   (21.4)
aware about
the benefits
of SHG

Source: Field Study, 2013, figures in the brackets are in per centage

Table 2 t-test on Block wise Distribution of Respondents on
Participation in Group Activity

Block       N    Mean    SD      t        df    Sig.
                                                (2-tailed)

Juria       71   14.86   2.764   -1.000   150   .319
Batadrawa   81   15.28   2.476

Source: Field Study, 2013

Table 3 Aspects for Improvement in Leadership Quality

Variable             High     Moderate   Low     Mean   SD

Providing teaching    39      113                2.26   .438
facility to group    (25.7)   (74.3)
members
Giving facility        9      141         2      2.05   .266
in training           (5.9)   (92.8)     (1.3)
programmes
Finding              103       49                2.68   .469
innovative ideas     (67.8)   (32.2)
Participation in      87       53        12      2.49   .641
social service       (57.2)   (34.9)     (7.9)
activities
Maintaining basic     88       63         1      2.57   .510
accounts of          (57.9)   (41.4)      (.7)
group fund
Provide facility      86       66                2.57   .497
to transact          (56.6)   (43.4)
with bank
Organising            85       54        13      2.47   .650
collective           (55.9)   (35.5)     (8.6)
decision in
election process
Financially          137       14         1      2.89   .329
strong by            (90.1)    (9.2)      (.7)
accumulating
savings
Acquiring new          3      140         9      1.96   .279
knowledge             (2.0)   (92.1)     (5.9)
on income
generating
activity

Source: Field Study, 2013, figures in the brackets are in per centage

Table 5 Level of Satisfaction of Respondents

s.   Variables          Highly     Satisfied  Neutral  Dissatisfied
No.                     Satisfied

1    Satisfaction        77         38         12       25
     with the           (50.7)     (25.0)      (7.9)   (16.4)
     functioning
     of SHG
2    Satisfaction                   25         63       64
     with the                      (16.4)     (41.4)   (42.1)
     performance
     of group
     leader
3    Satisfaction                   25         63       64
     with the                      (16.4)     (41.4)   (42.1)
     initiatives of
     NGOs
4    Satisfaction                  115         12       25
     with the                      (75.7)      (7.9)   (16.4)
     support of
     your family
5    Satisfaction with  115                    12       25
     community          (75.7)                 (7.9)   (16.4)
     support
     (providing
     information and
     help)
6    Satisfaction                   25         51       76
     of the                        (16.4)     (33.6)   (50.0)
     assistance
     / facilities
     given by
     Government
     regarding
     SHGs
7    Satisfaction        38         89         25
     with the           (25.0)     (58.6)     (16.4)
     cooperation
     from other
     fellow
     member of
     your group

s.   Variables          Mean   SD
No.

1    Satisfaction        3.10  1.11
     with the                  4
     functioning
     of SHG
2    Satisfaction        2.26   .723
     with the
     performance
     of group
     leader
3    Satisfaction        2.26   .723
     with the
     initiatives of
     NGOs
4    Satisfaction        2.59   .758
     with the
     support of
     your family
5    Satisfaction with   3.35  1.17
     community                 5
     support
     (providing
     information and
     help)
6    Satisfaction        2.34   .745
     of the
     assistance
     / facilities
     given by
     Government
     regarding
     SHGs
7    Satisfaction        2.92   .953
     with the
     cooperation
     from other
     fellow
     member of
     your group

Source: Field Study, 2013, figures in the brackets is in per centage