Definition and Characteristics

A cooperative is a business organization owned and operated by a group of individuals for their mutual benefit. Members typically share decision-making authority and profits.

• Ownership: Owned by members.
• Control: Democratically controlled by members.
• Liability: Limited liability for members.
• Taxation: Profits are distributed among members and taxed individually.

Pros and Cons

Pros:

• Democratic decision-making.
• Shared profits among members.
• Limited liability protection.

Cons:

• Decision-making can be slow and cumbersome.
• Limited ability to attract capital.
• Profit distribution can be complex.

Real-World Examples

Example: A group of local farmers forms a cooperative to market their produce collectively. This allows them to share resources and increase their bargaining power while benefiting from limited liability and democratic control. However, the cooperative occasionally faces challenges in making quick decisions due to the need for member consensus.

These sub-sections provide a comprehensive overview of the main types of business structures, helping entrepreneurs understand their options and make informed decisions about the best structure for their specific needs and goals.