samenspraak

Samenspraak is a Dutch term describing a process of joint dialogue aimed at mutual understanding and consensus among involved parties. The word combines samen ("together") and spraak ("speech" or "talk"), signaling an emphasis on equal participation and shared responsibility in decision-making.

The concept is used across domains such as government, organizations, healthcare, and community planning. In governance, samenspraak denotes participatory processes where citizens, civil society organizations, and public officials discuss, negotiate, and weigh options before decisions are made. It is often presented as a more inclusive alternative to top-down decision-making. In healthcare, samenspraak is widely used to refer to shared decision-making between patient and care provider, balancing medical evidence with patient preferences.

Context and contrasts: Samenspraak can be informal or codified in policy. It differs from inspraak (participation through input or commentary) and from overleg (consultation or negotiation between institutions), though there is overlap in practice. The degree to which assent is binding varies; samenspraak aims for broad agreement but may still lead to decisions made by leaders after deliberation.

Related concepts include participatie (participation), deliberatie (deliberation), co-creatie (co-creation), and stakeholder engagement. The term underscores dialogue, mutual respect, and shared responsibility, reflecting a governance and care ethos that values inclusive discussion as a route to legitimate decisions.