Even though being a member of a cooperative can present numerous rewards, including reciprocal benefits and access to shared resources, there are also potential downfalls. Critically examining these can prevent one from making poorly informed decisions. A significant issue is that such associations tend to be less flexible, given that they operate based on agreed collective needs rather than individual intentions. Thus, unique preferences might not be given priority and can often be disregarded. Additionally, there's risk associated with shared responsibility, as individual members can be held accountable for the collective's liabilities. Furthermore, decision-making processes in cooperatives are typically time-consuming and might hinder quick action, due to the need for consensus among members. Lastly, the financial yields from such organizations, in terms of dividends, often lag behind what traditional businesses offer, as proceeds are usually reinvested back into the cooperative or distributed among members.