Sociocracy, also known as dynamic governance, is a decision-making and governance method that aims to create inclusive, effective, and equitable organizations and communities. It is based on several key principles:
- Consent-based decision-making:
Sociocracy emphasizes decision-making by consent rather than by consensus or majority vote. Consent means that a decision is acceptable and can go forward to become a decision, unless someone has an objection arguing that the proposal directly and adversely affects the organization’s purpose or policies. This principle ensures that decisions are made effectively, taking into account the input of all members of the circle (working group).
- Sociocratic circle structure:
Sociocracy organizes the working members of the organization into circles (working groups) or self-organizing teams. Each circle has a specific domain or area of responsibility. Circles have defined precisely aims and can make decisions autonomously within their domain, provided they do not violate the organization’s broader policies and purpose.
- Double-linking:
Double-linking is a key principle in sociocracy that ensures effective communication and coordination between circles. Each circle has a representative or link person who participates in both the child and parent circles. The coordinator (leader) of a “child circle” is the person who represents the “parent circle” in the “child circle”. The delegate of a “child circle” is the person who represents the “child circl” in the “parent circle”. Both, the coordinator and the delegate of a “child circle” has also full membership and full decision-making rights in the parent circle. This two-way flow of information allows for integration and alignment of each circle in the entire organization. The two persons with “linking roles” (coordinator and delegate) assure that there is no “power over” between circles, but “power with” other circles.
- Feedback and continuous improvement:
Sociocracy encourages regular feedback loops and continuous improvement. Members are encouraged to provide feedback on processes, policies, and decisions to enhance organizational effectiveness. The aim is to create a learning organization that adapts and evolves over time. Roles and policies are not indefinitely set, but have a term for performance reviews and evaluation. The result of a performance review is a consented improvement plan for the next period, till another performance review. Internal policies also have to be reviewed from time to time, so the organization becomes a dynamic and adaptable one.
- Transparency and trust:
Sociocracy promotes transparency in decision-making and information sharing. Relevant information is made accessible to all members, ensuring that decisions are informed and understood by everyone affected. Transparent processes foster trust and accountability within the organization. AGENDA and MINUTES reflect the past, present and future planned activities and discussion topics. The working members of the organization could see what other circles are doing and what are the decisions made in each of the working circles. This builds an organizational culture of transparency and trust.
- Effectiveness and efficiency:
Sociocracy aims to achieve effectiveness and efficiency by distributing authority and decision-making throughout the organization from a broader perspective to more focused domains and aims. Decision-making is delegated to the appropriate circles, allowing for faster and more informed decisions without excessive centralization or bureaucracy. At the same time the entire organization remains synchronized and stays aligned with the general mission, vision and aims.
- Equivalent roles:
Sociocracy emphasizes equivalent roles and encourages role differentiation rather than hierarchical positions. Each role has defined responsibilities and accountabilities, ensuring that power is distributed and shared among members. This principle fosters collaboration and collective ownership.
These principles collectively contribute to creating a sociocratic organization or community where all members have a voice, decision-making is inclusive and efficient, and there is a focus on continuous improvement and effectiveness.
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Best wishes.