About Mondragon
MONDRAGON
Humanity at work
Mondragon is a small town nestled in the mountains of the Basque region of Spain and it is home to a unique socio-economic business model – the Mondragon Corporation. Founded in 1956, it's not your typical corporation. Instead, it's an integrated network of 81 worker cooperatives, a type of firm in which the people who work in the firm themselves, together, are its member-owners and have ultimate democratic control over its destiny. These 81 cooperatives employ over 70,000 people and had €11 billion in 2023 in a wide variety of sectors, among them, advanced manufacturing and services, retail food, finance and knowledge.
Cooperative Values at the Core
A set of core cooperative values drives the Mondragon movement. These include:
InterCooperation: Workers collaborate within and across cooperatives for mutual benefit, supporting each other and looking for new business opportunities together.
Participation: Employees have a say in decision-making and the management of the company.
Social Responsibility: The corporation prioritizes social well-being and place-based community development rooted in the Basque region.
Solidarity: Mondragon is committed to policy and practice that foment mutual help and support among its members, their cooperatives and the broader community.
Innovation: Continuous improvement and adaptation are key to the model's long-term success..
Beyond Profit
Unlike traditional corporations focused solely on maximizing shareholder wealth, Mondragon balances profit with social goals. This translates to fair compensation, worker-centric benefits, and a commitment to sustainable practices.
The Mondragon model offers a compelling alternative to traditional corporate structures. Its emphasis on worker ownership, democratic participation, and social responsibility has positioned it as a leader in the conversation about sustainable business. As we navigate an increasingly complex world, Mondragon's unique approach continues to inspire and challenge us to rethink the relationship between business and society.
