Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
The International Co-operative Alliance (ICA) outlines seven principles of cooperation that guide the financial and operational governance of cooperative societies.
Step 3: Detailed Explanation:
- The third cooperative principle, Member Economic Participation, states that members contribute equitably to, and democratically control, the capital of their cooperative.
- A portion of this capital is typically the common property of the cooperative. Members usually receive limited compensation, if any, on capital subscribed as a condition of membership.
- They allocate surpluses for developing their cooperative, setting up reserves, benefiting members in proportion to their transactions with the cooperative, and supporting other activities approved by the membership.
- Autonomy and independence relates to self-governance; Education, training, and information is about skill-building; and Concern for community is about local development.
Step 4: Final Answer
The principle that regulates equitable capital contribution and democratic capital control by members is Member Economic Participation.