Open accesscreativecommonsPeer reviewed article
Published online: July 2026 

Who owns a co-operative?

Nathan TamblynORCID

University of Lincoln, UK

Vol 59 No 1, 20-29

DOI: https://doi.org/10.61869/FDIK8895

Abstract

Received opinion says that co-operatives are owned by their members. This article argues that co-operatives are un-owned. Acknowledging this better reflects the values said to be the reason for using the co-operative form at all. In reaching this conclusion, the article considers the nature of shares and rejects as ill-fitting to co-operatives those theories of ownership based on exclusion, control, and the ability to exploit value or share profit. 

How to cite this article: Tamblyn, N. (2026). Who owns a co-operative? Journal of Co-operative Studies, 59(1), 20-29.   https://doi.org/10.61869/FDIK8895 

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