Abstract

Cooperatives are autonomous and voluntary associations consisting of several individuals pursuing economic, social or cultural objectives, a type of enterprise with a dual economic and social purpose, and activity governed by cooperative principles: free and voluntary association, economic democracy, autonomy, transparency, solidarity, cooperation among cooperatives, concerns about community issues. In this paper we intend to compare the evolution of associative structures indifferent countries of the world by reference to certain national cultural values that influence th eeconomic behaviour of the members of society (trust, social capital, entrepreneurial culture, attitude towards work, etc.) and have a close connection with respect for cooperative principles.