ADVANTAGES OF MUTUAL AID HOUSES IN ROMANIA ACCORDING TO NON-BANKING FINANCIAL SERVICES USERS

Abstract

Mutual Aid Houses enjoy a long presence on the Romanian market of non-banking services. Unlike mutual organizations from other European countries, in Romania mutual organizations have a much narrower field of activity. They may loan and provide an array of social services to members. Our study aims to highlight the benefits of Mutual Aid Houses as a support of person’s preference to this form of association and financial loan. After a briefly presentation of the situation of Mutual Aid Houses in Romania, based on statistical data, we show the results of a qualitative study based on in-depth interview, conducted in a Mutual Aid House for employees. The purpose of this case study is to highlight the perception that members of the Mutual Aid House have on services provided, the extent to which these services are used by members, as well as the appreciation they show to a number of attributes that define the offer of the Mutual Aid House. In addition, our analysis brings information by outlining the main aspects that define the presence of Mutual Aid Houses on the market of non-banking services, through a detailed presentation of the situation of a Mutual Aid House of employees and especially by highlighting opinions of its members regarding the offer advantages, elements contributing ultimately to a better understanding of Mutual Aid Houses position among non-banking financial institutions.