# Cooperatives
Enterprises jointly owned and democratically controlled by their members.
Canonical page: https://givegigs.com/wiki/cooperatives
Last updated: 2026-11-09T19:00:08.669Z
Parent topic: [work-and-cooperation](https://givegigs.com/wiki/work-and-cooperation)
## Contents
- [Overview](#wiki-section-overview-1)
- [Member governance](#wiki-section-governance-2)
- [Benefits and challenges](#wiki-section-tradeoffs-3)
## Overview
A cooperative is an enterprise jointly owned and democratically controlled by the people who use it or work in it. Members share responsibility for governance and receive benefits according to the cooperative's rules and purpose. Cooperatives operate in many sectors and take forms shaped by local law.
Explore related topics:
- [worker-cooperatives](https://givegigs.com/wiki/worker-cooperatives)
- [platform-cooperatives](https://givegigs.com/wiki/platform-cooperatives)
- [decent-work](https://givegigs.com/wiki/decent-work)
## Member governance
Members establish how decisions are made, how representatives are elected, how surplus is allocated, and how the organization remains accountable. Effective participation takes information, time, and accessible ways to contribute. Bylaws and governing documents turn cooperative principles into practical procedures.
## Benefits and challenges
Shared ownership can align decisions with member needs and distribute voice, while also requiring ongoing coordination, investment, and conflict resolution. Members may face difficult tradeoffs between current income, reserves, growth, and resilience. Outcomes depend on sound management and democratic practice rather than the ownership label alone.
## Sources
- [International Cooperative Alliance: What Is a Cooperative?](https://www.ica.coop/en/cooperatives/what-is-a-cooperative)
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