The Co-operative Approach to Business
A Co-operative
is an autonomous association of persons united voluntarily to meet
their common economic, social
and cultural needs and aspirations through a jointly-owned and democratically-controlled
enterprise.
- Voluntary and Open Membership
- Democratic Member Control
- Economic participation
- Autonomy and Independence
- Education, Training and Information
- Co-operation among Co-operatives
- Concern for the Community
Our Values
Self-help
Co-operatives aim to give members the power to help themselves. Usually
members benefit financially but they might also benefit from access
to goods and services that they otherwise could not get.
Self-responsibility
Co-operatives belong jointly
to all the members. Members are collectively responsible for the
success of the Co-op.
Although members contribute
to the Co-op in various ways, they do so to the best of their ability
and will not expect others to do everything for them.
Democracy
Co-operatives aim to maximise the use
of democratic processes to come to decisions. This is because Co-ops
believe decisions,
and their
implementation,
are better if everyone has an opportunity to have their say.
Equality
Within a Co-operative Society all members
are equal. There must be no unfair discrimination against members
on
access to the services of
the Society.
Equity
Co-operatives deal with their members
impartially and fairly. Decisions regarding members should be based
on equity
or fair conduct. Eg
dividend distributed to all members in an equitable manner with no
favouritism
to particular groups of members.
Solidarity
As a self-help organisation Co-ops
are founded on the principle that people working together will achieve
more than
working separately.
Members
of a Co-op should see other members as part of their community
and should consider fellow members' interests in the same light as
their
own.
Honesty
Co-op members should deal honestly and
fairly with everyone with whom they deal.
Openness
Co-op members should be as open as possible
in their dealings with others.
Social responsibility
Co-op members should realise
that they are part of the wider community and that co-operation is
a way of improving
and developing our
communities.
Caring for others
Co-op members aim to help
other members of their Co-op and the local community, especially
by helping them to
help themselves.
Wooldale
Co-op aspires
to all these objectives and has introduced many changes in recent years to ensure that your Society is run with these values and principles foremost in our minds.
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