jäsenpohjaisia

Jäsenpohjaisia describes organizational models that are built around a membership base. In these models the legitimacy, governance and often the funding of the organization come from its members rather than external investors or customers. Members typically participate in decision-making and oversight, for example through general meetings or elected representatives, and have rights and responsibilities defined in the organization’s rules.

Key features include membership as a source of rights and obligations, democratic decision-making, and ongoing member participation. Membership fees or dues are common funding sources, alongside service fees, donations, and public or grant funding. Revenue and profits are usually governed by the charter, with profits often reinvested or distributed according to membership rules rather than to external shareholders.

Common forms in Finland are registered associations (yhdistys) and cooperatives (osuuskunta). In associations, decisions are commonly made by members at general meetings, often with one vote per member. Cooperatives organize around shared use or service access, and although governance varies, voting is generally tied to membership, sometimes with one member one vote.

Benefits of a jäsenpohjainen approach include increased legitimacy, alignment with members’ interests, and potential for participatory governance and social capital. Challenges include more complex and slower decision-making, risks of member apathy or factionalism, and higher coordination costs. This model is typical in professional associations, trade unions, consumer cooperatives, and platform-based ventures where users are also owners.