| Abstract |
This paper examines the role of the “principles of cooperation” in
shaping the methods used by farmer cooperative associations for the provision
of equity capital by members. Cooperative principles and financing practices
based on them are evaluated in the context of some common issues and conflicts
among patrons. The characteristics of a cooperative are compared with those
of a patron-owned corporation, and two case studies in which patrons chose
to organize businesses as patron-owned corporations are discussed. The
paper concludes by making recommendations for patron-owned businesses operating
within the cooperative framework. |
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