Typically the structures co-operatives build between and among themselves focus on one of two types of activities. They tend to focus either on the economic dimension of co-operatives, to trade goods and services, such as Coop2Coop trade, or on the social and political dimension of joining forces for networking purposes and to advance shared interests. The social and political dimension of inter-co-operative structures is frequently the framework upon or through which economic relationships and structures are built. These two dimensions are evident in many inter-co-operative structures at local, regional, national and international levels.

Co-operatives with a strong ideological commitment to this 6th Principle understand that committing time and resources to co-operative efforts holds potential to drive better outcomes for both individual co-operatives and the wider movement. More effort equals more positive results.