Their own idea

Their Own Idea has been written for anyone whose job it is to assist people to start their own businesses and who is considering the merits of group as opposed to individual enterprise. There are many advantages in working together, and it is often more convenient for outsiders to assist groups rather than individuals; but there are also many dangers. This book will help. both advisers and workers to make the right decisions, based on an understanding of the real issues involved, and also demonstrates the dangers both of the lack of understanding of local circumstances and of remaining trapped in preconceived ideas.

Their Own Idea starts with a general introduction to workers' co-operatives, their history and present position in both industrialized and developing countries. It explores thirteen detailed case studies of workers' co operatives in Asia, Africa, and the Caribbean. Some of these co-operatives have failed and others have succeeded, but they all have important lessons and warnings for anyone involved in similar enterprises, whether as a member or as an outside adviser, and those general lessons are summarized at the end of the book..