Cooperatives
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What are cooperatives? How do they differ from other types of businesses? What unique advantages do they offer to their members and communities?
Cooperatives are businesses owned and controlled by the very members they serve. This member-driven model distinguishes cooperatives from other types of enterprises, ensuring that decisions are made to balance both profit and the needs and interests of their members and communities. Whether the members are the customers, employees or residents, they have an equal say in what the business does and a share in the profits.
Cooperatives come in many forms and operate across all sectors of society but are united in their values of self-help, self-responsibility, democracy, equality, equity and solidarity. In the tradition of their founders, cooperative members believe in the ethical values of honesty, openness, social responsibility and caring for others.
Seven Cooperative Principles
Voluntary and
Open Membership
Democratic
Member Control
Members'
Economic Participation
Autonomy and
Independence
Education, Training,
and Information
Cooperation among
Cooperatives
Concern for
Community
*For more information on the cooperative values and principles, please refer to the International Co-operative Website.
Milestones of the International Cooperative Alliance (ICA)