Successful co-operation requires structure. Co-operatives have a long and successful history of organising local, national, and international structures that aid co-operation among co-operatives.

Throughout the co-operative movement, ways of organising in accordance with this 6th Principle vary according to political and economic contexts in which they are created. What remains true is the necessity of the co-operative movement's infrastructure to facilitate mutual aid and reciprocity over time.

Informal project based collaborative arrangements to promote shared interests often precede the establishment of secondary co-operatives and apex organisations. These informal collaborations contribute to building trust and solidarity and can lead to the creation of formal structures to facilitate co-operation among co-operatives.

Networks tend to be more fluid and are characterised by a lack of rigid policies or structure and are relatively decentralised, though there will most likely be some informal representative structures in place. One of the most significant roles networks play is in engaging individuals and emerging co-operatives.

Co-operative federations tend to be more structured in their representation, voting, and operation. They are often the stewards of many types of work such as development, education, and advocacy. Creating federations that leverage scarce resources whilst respecting the identity of smaller members is key to and the intention of this 6th Principle. The 1st Principle of open voluntary membership without discrimination also applies to federations and other co-operative structures to ensure that they do not operate as cartels.

National co-operative federations and national apex organisations too are vital for a thriving co-operative enterprise structure in any nation's economy. They represent co-operatives in all sectors and at all levels and apply the 5th Principle in promoting understanding of co-operative enterprise among the general public, the media, political leaders and opinion formers. They also help to ensure that co-operatives are treated fairly and as equitably as any other form of business enterprise in national legislation and tax policy.