Co-operative values and principles

Like all businesses, co-operatives want to trade successfully – they are businesses. Members, such as consumers or farmers, tenants or taxi drivers, can often do better by working together. And sharing the profit is a way to keep it fair and make it worthwhile.

Co-operatives share common, internationally recognised co-operative values and principles.
 

Co-operative values:

• Self help
• Self responsibility
• Democracy
• Equality
• Equity
• Solidarity

Co-operative ethical values:

• Honesty
• Openness
• Social responsibility
• Caring for others

Co-operative principles are:

• Voluntary and open membership
• Democratic member control
• Member economic participation
• Autonomy and independence
• Education, training and information
• Co-operation among co-operatives
• Concern for community