Selvstyrte

Selvstyrte is a Norwegian term meaning self-governing or autonomous. The compound combines selv meaning "self" and styrt meaning "governed" or "controlled," and it is used as an adjective to describe persons, groups, organizations, or systems that exercise a high degree of decision-making authority without external control.

In organizational contexts, selvstyrte refers to decentralized and participatory models of governance and work design, where teams have authority over goals, planning, and resource use, often contrasted with hierarchical structures. It is associated with concepts like self-management, distributed leadership, and flat hierarchies.

In education, selvstyrt or selvstyrt læring denotes self-directed learning where the learner determines objectives, pace, and methods, sometimes with support from educators or mentors.

In technology and infrastructure, the term is used for selvstyrte systems or devices—autonomous or self-operating systems that function with minimal human input, such as robotic systems, autonomous vehicles, or software that can operate and adapt to changing conditions.

In civic and political contexts, selvstyrte arrangements describe communities, institutions, or organizations that govern themselves, possibly under a legal framework that grants autonomy or shared governance models.