Principles

The Open Co-op operates according to open organisational and co-operative principles.

What is a Co-operative?

A co-operative is an autonomous association of persons united voluntarily to meet their common economic, social, and cultural needs and aspirations through a jointly-owned and democratically-controlled Enterprise.

Co-operative Principles

• 1st Principle: Voluntary and Open Membership
• 2nd Principle: Democratic Member Control
• 3rd Principle: Member Economic Participation
• 4th Principle: Autonomy and Independance
• 5th Principle: Education, Training and Information
• 6th Principle: Co-operation among Co-operatives
• 7th Principle: Concern for Community

What is an Open Organisation?

An open organisation is open to anyone who agrees to abide by its purpose and principles, with complete transparency and clearly defined desicion making structures, ownership patterns, and exchange mechanisms; designed, defined, and refined, by all members as part of a continual transformative process. For more info about open organisations click here

Open Organisation Processes and Functional Rules

Processes:

• 1) Decision-making
• 2) Accountability
• 3) Transparency
• 4) Coordinating
• 5) Excluding
• 6) Inter-Working Group (IWG) processes

Eight functional rules:

• 1) Charter
• 2) Open participation
• 3) Self-management
• 4) Best practices
• 5) Respect for skill
• 6) Public ownership of knowledge
• 7) Diversity
• 8) Affirmative terms