Which of the following represents a type of business firm that is owned and run by a group of individuals for mutual benefit?

A cooperative is a specific type of business organization that is owned and operated by a group of individuals for their mutual benefit. This structure allows members to work together to achieve common economic goals, which often include pooling resources to improve purchasing power, sharing services, or providing goods and services at lower costs.

In a cooperative, each member typically has an equal say in decision-making processes, often following a democratic approach where votes are based on membership rather than investment. This fosters a sense of community and encourages collaboration. The primary objective of a cooperative is to meet the needs and aspirations of its members, which distinguishes it from other business structures that may prioritize profit maximization for shareholders.

The other types of business firms mentioned, such as corporations, enterprises, and partnerships, operate under different principles. Corporations are primarily focused on generating profits for shareholders and may have a hierarchical management structure. Enterprises can encompass a variety of business types and do not specifically denote a mutual benefit for individuals. Partnerships involve a group of individuals sharing ownership and responsibilities but typically do not emphasize mutual benefit for members in the same way cooperatives do. Therefore, the cooperative model is unique in its dedication to serving the interests of its members collectively.