It’s a relevant question with no definitive answer.
The short answer is that it’s something you’d have to discuss and agree upon with relevant parties.

Smaller groups

In small groups of e.g., a few co-investors then it can be relatively straightforward to decide among yourselves.

Communities and larger groups

In larger groups on the other hand, it’s something to consider in more detail, and especially if you intend living under the same roof.

If you are the type of person who likes to be in control and wants everything their own way then communities and larger groups may not be for you. Larger ventures tend to work best when relevant parties are flexible enough to listen to other views and occasionally make compromises. It sounds simple, and flexibility comes naturally to some people - but not everyone. Some people need to acclimatise from living in their own individual bubble to communal ones. Indeed, this acclimatisation process is something that some intentional community residents cite as a notable consideration, because some people do acclimatise quicker (or slower) than others. Acclimatisation to communal considerations isn’t necessarily a bad thing. Indeed, some find it an epiphany; discovering that living and/or working (and getting along) with others is much better for them than going it alone.

Frameworks

Frameworks can help. Some communities for example have no designated leaders, but have democratic processes and require e.g., X% consensus before key decisions are passed. In some groups that do have leaders there can be more than one leader (for example, each in charge of a particular area that they are good at). Also, in some groups it’s not necessarily the person who has invested the most who leads. Not everyone likes to lead, or is a born leader, and some people recognise that others are better leaders and prefer a role in the background for themselves.

Such things may sound odd to some, but in practise they can be of real benefit. The thing is to find what works best for you and the group. If you are thinking of joining an intentional community then frameworks and decision-making protocols are something you can discuss with them.

Similarly, if you are thinking of setting up an intentional community then you may wish to devise frameworks and decision-making processes yourself (and alongside members).

Advantages | Potential disadvantages | Group sizes | Who’s in charge? | Contributions | Donating land/property