What is a Co‑operative?

Co‑operation: child's play?

Understanding what a co‑operative is may not be child's play - but as you embark upon the journey of finding out what a co‑operative is you will surely ask why many more buinesses are not formed as co‑operatives.

Co‑operatives are a different way of doing business.

They are different because they are jointly owned and democratically controlledDemocratic Control
Co‑operatives are controlled by members who actively participate in setting their policies and making decisions. Members serving as elected representatives are accountable to the membership. by their members - and it is the members who are the beneficiaries of the activities of the business.

There are many types of co‑operative, each serving their members' economic, social and cultural needs and aspirations in different ways.

In order to develop an understanding of what a co‑operative is and what makes a co‑operative different from other forms of business you need to understand some key concepts and ideas.

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