Why a cooperative?
Jointly-Owned and Democratically-Governed
A cooperative is a jointly-owned and democratically-governed organization. It is a horizontally structured organization where decision-making is an open process by the "worker-owners". In terms of financials, a cooperative is a completely open-book, transparent organization for the members.
Benefits of Ownership
Worker-owned cooperatives provide members with both jobs and ownership. The financial success of the cooperative is shared with all members based on respective contributions, and in the case of New Leaf, our consultants receive the same wage - as opposed to traditional seniority-based pay scales.
Principles
Cooperatives follow seven principles:
- Voluntary and Open Membership
- Democratic Member Control
- Member Economic Participation
- Autonomy and Independence
- Education, Training and Information
- Cooperation among Cooperatives
- Concern for Community
For more on these principles, visit the International Cooperative Alliance.
