MBOs also differ from most other nonprofits in that their primary goal is to provide direct benefit to their members. The mission and goals of these organizations are focused on the self-fulfillment of their members and the advancement of the trade, profession or personal interests they represent.  Critically important is understanding the very existence of the organization is to serve the collective needs of the membership. The organization success is also predicated upon its ability to help members establish and develop relationships with other members. 

These are self-governing organizations in which members have the right to vote and hold office. The viability of the organization depends upon the members’ willingness to take responsibility for governing. The members also serve as content experts for the field. Their contributions are necessary to producing the core programs, products and services that advance the organization’s mission and goals. And the general membership is the primary consumer of the same. They may advance the interests of others and benefit the larger community through their actions, but they are primarily member-centered.