Governance Models in Cooperatives

Governance models in cooperatives define how decisions are made and who has a say. Typically, cooperatives use democratic models where members vote on key issues, ensuring control is shared equally among members regardless of their investment size. Some cooperatives may also have a representative system, like a board elected by members, to handle daily operations. These models prioritize transparency, accountability, and member participation, aligning decision-making with the cooperative’s mission to serve its members’ interests rather than maximize profits for external shareholders.