Comparisons to Other Models
Steward ownership often gets confused with other ownership models and alternative business approaches – like cooperatives, non-profits, or sustainable models like B Corp. To fully grasp the meaning and specific potential of steward ownership, it is important to clearly distinguish the concept from other approaches and to understand its specific characteristics.
A core distinction
Many alternative approaches share one thing: they aim to provide an alternative to business as usual. For instance, they may seek to promote greater sustainability, encourage a different corporate behaviour or serve a specific mission or purpose. Some of these approaches are based on a regulatory framework, others rely on certificates, and still others focus on alternative ways of organizing ownership.
Steward ownership belongs to the latter group: it alters the deep design of a company by reorganising its ownership structure, permanently and legally binding. It is important to distinguish between a conceptual level (= what does steward ownership aim to achieve?) and a legal level (= how is this form of ownership implemented?). As a term, steward ownership primarily describes a specific concept of ownership – not a legal form. In most jurisdictions, there is not yet a specific legal form that corresponds to this concept which is why legal workarounds have to be implemented.
How approaches compare
1) Concepts of deep design
Changes the ownership structure itself, permanently and legally binding. Does not prescribe what the company does, only who controls it and how profits flow.
Examples: Steward ownership, employee ownership, shared ownership, multi stakeholder approaches
2) Legal forms
Define the organisational and tax structure of a company. Some (like gGmbH or cooperatives) create partial overlap with steward ownership principles, but none fully replicate both core principles by default.
Examples: GmbH / LLC, gGmbH, Cooperative (eG), Benefit Corporation, Perpetual Purpose Trust, Employee Ownership Trust
3) Certifications
A third party audits the company and decides: you get the label, or you don't. Certifications are voluntary, renewable, and independent of ownership structure. They signal trustworthiness to the outside world. Often highly complementary to steward ownership.
Example: B Corporation
4) Frameworks
No one decides if you pass or fail: the company applies the framework itself and publishes the results. Frameworks provide structure for transparency and accountability, not a stamp of approval.
Example: Economy for the Common Good, GRI, SASB
Steward ownership can be combined with many different legal forms, certifications and frameworks. What fits depends on the company, its region, and its legal context. What matters is not the label, but whether the principles are implemented in a binding and enduring way.
How steward ownership relates to ...
Audience
Topic
Type
Language
Region
Steward Ownership and Employee Ownership Trusts
In this article, we explain the differences and similarities between Employee Ownership Trusts (EOT), an ownership structure introduced in the UK, and steward ownership.
Steward Ownership and svb-Aktiebolag
In this article, we explain the differences and similarities between the swedish legal form svb-Aktiebolag and steward ownership.
Steward Ownership and Community Interest Company
In this article, we explain the differences and similarities between the legal form in UK Community Interest Company (CIC) and steward ownership.
Steward Ownership and Société à Mission
In this article, we explain the differences and similarities between the french legal form Société à Mission and steward ownership.
Steward Ownership and Cooperatives
In this article, we explain the differences and similarities between cooperatives and steward ownership.
Steward Ownership and Benefit Corporations
In this article, we explain the differences and similarities between Benefit Corporations and steward ownership.
Steward Ownership and the Economy for the Common Good
In this article, we explain the differences and similarities between the Economy for the Common Good and steward ownership.
Steward Ownership and B Corporations
In this article, we explain the differences and similarities between B Corporations and steward ownership.
Wondering how other models connect to steward ownership? This is a living list and we're always happy to add to it! Just write to us at communications@purpose.ag.
Keep exploring
Do you want to learn more about steward ownership? Make sure to also read the other three basics chapters.
What is steward ownership?
What is the core of steward ownership? Learn about its two principles and the companies practicing it.
What is steward ownership aligned financing?
How does capital work when profit extraction isn't the goal? An introduction to SO aligned capital.
Implementation
The principles of steward ownership have to be implemented in a legally binding way at the ownership level. Overview of how that is done in practice.