This field focuses on financial management and accounting practices within cooperatives, including the management of member equity and the distribution of profits.
Cooperative Principles: The seven principles that guide cooperative businesses, including voluntary membership, democratic control, and distribution of surplus.
Cooperative Types: The various types of cooperatives that exist, including worker cooperatives, consumer cooperatives, and housing cooperatives.
Cooperative Business Models: The different business models that cooperatives can adopt, including retail, agriculture, and finance cooperatives.
Cooperative Governance: The structures and processes by which cooperatives are governed, including board of directors, membership meetings, and bylaws.
Cooperative Financing: The sources and types of financing available to cooperatives, including member equity, loans, grants, and crowdfunding.
Cooperative Accounting: The accounting and financial management practices particular to cooperatives, including member equity accounting, patronage refunds, and surplus distribution.
Cooperative Legal Frameworks: The legal frameworks that apply to cooperatives, including state and federal laws, tax codes, and regulations.
Cooperative Social Responsibility: The social and environmental responsibilities of cooperatives, including community development, sustainability, and social justice.
Cooperative Marketing: The marketing strategies and tactics used by cooperatives to promote their products and services, including member outreach, branding, and advertising.
Cooperative Performance Metrics: The indicators used to measure and evaluate the performance of cooperatives, including profitability, member satisfaction, and social impact.
Credit Union: A financial cooperative that provides financial services to its members, including savings accounts, loans, and credit cards.
Agricultural Cooperative: A cooperative that is owned and controlled by farmers or agricultural businesses to enhance their economic, social, and cultural interests.
Consumer Cooperative: A cooperative that is owned and controlled by consumers to provide goods and services to its members at lower prices than traditional retailers.
Housing Cooperative: A cooperative that is owned and controlled by its members to provide affordable housing to its members.
Worker Cooperative: A cooperative that is owned and controlled by its employees to provide employment and a living wage to its members.
Purchasing Cooperative: A cooperative that is owned and controlled by businesses to collectively purchase goods or services, which often results in lower costs.
International Cooperative: A cooperative that operates across borders and promotes cooperative values and practices around the world.
Marketing Cooperative: A cooperative that is owned and controlled by farmers or producers to market and distribute their products collectively, which often results in increased bargaining power and profits.
Service Cooperative: A cooperative that provides various services, such as healthcare or childcare, to its members.
Multi-stakeholder Cooperative: A cooperative that is owned and controlled by multiple stakeholders, such as employees, customers, and community members, and aims to provide mutual benefits to all parties.