Understanding Cooperatives: Unit 1 - The American Business Enterprise System


Handout 1 – Characteristics of American Business Structures
 

 

Individually Owned

Partnership

Investor-owned Corporation

Cooperative Corporation

Limited Liability Company

1. Who owns?

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2. Who uses services?

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

3. Who votes?

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

4. Who determines policy?

 

 

 

 

 

 

5. Who manages?

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

6. Who receives profits?

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

7. Who finances?

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

8. What is the extent of owner’s risk?

 

 

 

 

 

 

9. Provide an example

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


Rural Development USDA: Understanding Cooperatives - Unit 1   [Back to Unit 1]