The Big Debate- How to balance co-operative values and business

During the Big Debate's annual meeting, the speakers explored the question of what does it mean to be a co-operative? The speakers from all over the world explained how co-operatives can differentiate themselves and assert their distinct model while balancing co-operative values and business needs.

The speakers believe that there is not much tension between co-operative and business values because the strength in co-operatives lies in putting the human in front of financial capital. The values and principles of co-operatives give them a uniqueness that no other business has. These values and principles make up the worker co-operative code which if used as a basis of government presents a very strong business.

The panelists agreed that in order for these values to be fully embraced, co-operatives need to train their workers so that they are skilled enough to manage a business in a democratic way. Co-operatives also can continue to achieve success by making the gaps between the lowest and highest employee smaller and smaller.

To read more, please click here.

Source & Copyright: Co-operative News