Background. Social economy fosters professional and social integration among persons who are at risk of social marginalization, creation of employment, provision of public social services.
Research aims. The purpose of this paper is to identify the essence of social co-operatives as forms of social enterprises and the characteristics of their management.
Method. This paper analyses or discusses chosen research previously published by others authors and also statements from official documents of co-operative movement units. Based on the desk research an attempt of explanation and assessment of specificity of effective social enterprises management are made.
Key findings. As a result of research and analysis, the main features of social co-operatives as a form of social enterprise were identified and the characteristics of their management were revealed. The paper adds a new value to understanding of continuity of co-operative principles in the context of new challenges in the framework of social economy.

Background. Social economy fosters professional and social integration among persons who are at risk of social marginalization, creation of employment, provision of public social services.
Research aims. The purpose of this paper is to identify the essence of social co-operatives as forms of social enterprises and the characteristics of their management.
Method. This paper analyses or discusses chosen research previously published by others authors and also statements from official documents of co-operative movement units. Based on the desk research an attempt of explanation and assessment of specificity of effective social enterprises management are made.
Key findings. As a result of research and analysis, the main features of social co-operatives as a form of social enterprise were identified and the characteristics of their management were revealed. The paper adds a new value to understanding of continuity of co-operative principles in the context of new challenges in the framework of social economy.