Samvirket

Samvirket is a term used in Norwegian and Danish to refer to a cooperative association. It describes an enterprise or organization owned and democratically controlled by its members, who typically join to meet shared economic, social, or cultural needs. Unlike traditional investor-owned firms, samvirket operates on the principle that members participate and benefit according to their use or patronage.

The governance model of a samvirket is based on democratic control, often summarized as one member, one vote. While member participation and education are emphasized, the exact structure and capital requirements can vary by country and type of cooperative. Core principles commonly associated with samvirket and other cooperatives include voluntary and open membership, autonomous operation, democratic member control, economic participation by members, education and cooperation among cooperatives, and a concern for community development. Internationally, cooperative movements often align with a set of standard principles, though implementations differ by legal framework.

Forms of samvirket include consumer cooperatives (retail and services owned by customers), worker cooperatives (owned by employees), producer or agricultural cooperatives (owned by producers), and housing or credit cooperatives. In Scandinavia, cooperative organizations such as retail groups under the Coop banner illustrate the widespread use of samvirket as a model for mutual economic participation and community-based trade.

Legal status and requirements for samvirket vary by country, but they generally emphasize member ownership, democratic control, and reinvestment or distribution of surpluses to members based on use. Critics sometimes point to slower decision-making or capital constraints, but supporters highlight local control, resilience, and social goals.