Kooperativët

Kooperativët are member-owned organizations designed to meet the economic, social, and cultural needs of their members through shared ownership and democratic control. They are typically governed by the principle one member, one vote, regardless of the size of an individual investor's stake.

Originating in the 19th century with the Rochdale Society in England, the cooperative movement has established widely recognized principles: voluntary and open membership; democratic member control; member economic participation; autonomy and independence; education, training, and information; cooperation among cooperatives; and concern for the community.

Cooperatives come in several forms, including consumer, worker, producer, agricultural, housing, and credit unions, as well as multi-stakeholder variations. They are governed by elected boards, with profits and savings distributed among members based on patronage or use, rather than on capital contributed.

Economically, Kooperativët aim to improve bargaining power, stabilize prices, provide access to services, and support local development. They can increase resilience to market shocks and foster social inclusion. Common challenges include capital constraints, slower decision-making, regulatory complexity, and the need to balance member and business objectives.

Globally, cooperatives operate under national laws and often coordinate through bodies such as the International Co-operative Alliance. They are a significant feature of rural development, social economy, and financial services in many regions.