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Cooperatives and mutuals have made tremendous progress since their humble beginnings but despite their universal usage many fail to prosper or are moribund, and many are not achieving their full potential in terms of delivering real benefits to their members. Others have been taken over by self-interested groups or demutualised, while in other cases there is an urgent need to re-establish member-control.
Building upon the existing ICA Cooperative Principles, the aim is to provide a much more robust framework that can guide cooperators in the day-to-day running of their cooperatives. Additionally, to facilitate a much clearer understanding of the true nature of cooperative enterprise, not only on the part of those directly involved in cooperatives but also by policy-makers, educators and the general public. Widespread agreement on the Cooperative Enterprise Model and a new paradigm for developing and sustaining cooperatives worldwide is now needed.
Principles are not enough on their own, successful cooperatives need much more than this, including:
Clarity as to purpose and function
A viable market intervention strategy
The right form of organization and governance
The necessary policies and practices, and
The management systems to support them.
In other words, a comprehensive Cooperative Enterprise Model.
The Cooperative Enterprise Model has been developed based upon the practical application and the study of cooperation in more than 40 different countries over a period of 50 years.
Welcome to:
Cooperative Principles PLUS
This website aims to:
Foster a better understanding of the cooperative enterprise model, which also provides a framework for all forms of member-controlled enterprise
Promote a widespread awareness of the cooperative enterprise model as the basis for properly understanding and running successful cooperative enterprises
Provide a resource for all those teaching, lecturing, advising and operating in the sphere of cooperatives and other forms of member-controlled enterprise.
NEW! Please click here to view the slide show DEVELOPING A FIT-FOR-PURPOSE COOPERATIVE ENTERPRISE MODEL as presented at the UK Society for Co-operative Studies Conference, September 2014, held at the University of Essex, Colchester, UK.
Is this for You? This website is primarily aimed at leaders in cooperatives and other forms of member-controlled enterprise, including both member-leaders and executives. It will also be of value to employees, professionals, academics and all members of cooperatives and other forms of member-controlled enterprise.
Please explore the following webpages elaborating the Cooperative Enterprise Model
September 2014 © Edgar Parnell 2014