This SAMRO does by functioning as a collective administration society that negotiates “blanket licences” with music users who then have access to SAMRO's extensive repertoire of copyright musical works. SAMRO is created and controlled by composers, songwriters and music publishers, with a Board of Directors elected by and from the membership.Thus the organisation has been set up to achieve an economy of scale in collection on behalf of members'of copyrighted musical works.

The organisation is incorporated as a Company, limited by Guarantee, has no share capital and is non-profit making.