What are the key success factors for co-operation?
With their distinct ‘primary purpose’, based on participation, all members of a co-operative share responsibility for creating success. The most successful demonstrate the following: • Common goals and united commitment amongst members (a continuing challenge requiring sound strategy and excellent, two-way communications between the board and members) • Ambition and leadership amongst members and directors, and a concern for the future • Active participation in democracy and accountability • High standards of governance, and professional management that understands the primary purpose of members in co-operating • Commercial success, satisfying members’ needs of their co-op, and rewarding them in proportion to their participation.
