| Co-operative type | Definition |
| Co-operative | An autonomous association composed mainly of persons united
voluntarily to meet their common economic, social,
and cultural needs and aspirations through a jointly owned and democratically-controlled enterprise. Members usually receive limited compensation, if any, on capital subscribed as a condition of membership. |
| Mutual | Private co-operative type organization providing insurance
or other welfare-related services. Consider also micro-insurance and mutuals with both voluntary and compulsory membership. |
| Co-operative of co-operatives/mutuals | Co-operatives composed mainly of co-operatives/mutuals
that carry out an economic activity for the production of goods or the provision of services of common interest for their members. It periodically publishes its own financial statements. |
| Co-operative group | A co-operative group: 1) is composed of organizations that
operate as a single economic entity, 2) regularly publishes a consolidated financial statement, 3) includes mainly cooperatives, 4) acts according to co-operative principles and values, and 5) is controlled by co-operatives. |
| Co-operative network | A co-operative network: 1) composed of organizations that
operate as a single economic entity, 2) does not publish a consolidated financial statement, 3) includes mainly cooperatives, 4) acts according co-operative principles and values, and 5) is controlled by co-operatives |
| Non co-operative
enterprise |
Non co-operative enterprise in which co-operatives have a controlling interest |
Source: World Co-operative Monitor, Exploring the Co-operative Economy - Report 2014