Co-operative Principles Overview

Questions and Answers

Which of the following is NOT one of the Co-operative Principles?

Concern for Community

Autonomy and Independence

Self-help

Profit Maximization (correct)

Co-operatives practice gender discrimination in membership.

False

What type of organizations are Co-operatives considered?

Democratic

The 1st principle of Co-operatives is __________ and Open Membership.

Voluntary Signup and view all the answers

How are surpluses in a Co-operative allocated?

As reserves, distributed as patronage, or for approved activities that benefit members. Signup and view all the answers

What is the 5th Principle of Co-operatives?

Education, Training and Information Signup and view all the answers

Co-operatives encourage competition over cooperation.

False Signup and view all the answers

What is the key aspect of the 4th Principle?

Autonomy and Independence Signup and view all the answers

Match the following Co-operative Principles with their descriptions:

1st Principle = Voluntary and Open Membership 2nd Principle = Democratic Member Control 3rd Principle = Member Economic Participation 4th Principle = Autonomy and Independence 5th Principle = Education, Training and Information 6th Principle = Co-operation Among Co-operatives 7th Principle = Concern for Community Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Co-operative Principles Overview

Principles serve as guidelines for cooperatives to implement their values.
Emphasizes self-help, self-responsibility, ethical values like honesty, and caring for others.

1st Principle: Voluntary and Open Membership

Membership is open to anyone who can utilize services and accept responsibilities.
No discrimination based on gender, social background, race, politics, or religion.

2nd Principle: Democratic Member Control

Cooperatives are governed democratically, with elected representatives.
Members participate actively in decision-making and policy-setting.
One-member-one-vote system ensures equal voting rights among members.

3rd Principle: Member Economic Participation

Members contribute capital through equity and have democratic control over it.
Allows limited compensation for equity invested.
Surpluses can be used for cooperative development, patronage distribution, or other member-approved activities.

4th Principle: Autonomy and Independence

Cooperatives maintain self-control, even when collaborating with external entities.
Any agreements with outside organizations should ensure members retain democratic control and autonomy.

5th Principle: Education, Training and Information

Emphasizes the need for education and training for members, representatives, managers, and employees.
Aims to enable effective contribution towards cooperative development.
Encourages public awareness about the benefits and nature of co-operation, especially among youth and opinion leaders.

6th Principle: Co-operation Among Cooperatives

Promotes collaboration among cooperatives at local, national, regional, and international levels.
Increases the effectiveness of services provided to members and strengthens the cooperative movement.

7th Principle: Concern for Community

Cooperatives focus on sustainable community development through member-approved policies.

Distinction of Cooperatives

These principles differentiate cooperatives from other organizational forms, forming the foundation for their functioning.

Description

This quiz explores the foundational principles of cooperatives, focusing on values and practices that emphasize self-help, democracy, and social responsibility. Test your understanding of how these principles guide cooperative organizations and their operations.