sosiokratian

Sosiokratian, often translated as sociocracy, is a system of governance and organization that emphasizes distributed leadership and consent-based decision-making. It originated in the Netherlands in the 1960s, developed by Dutch educator Kees Boeke. Sociocracy aims to create more democratic and effective organizations by ensuring that all members have a voice and that decisions are made with the full consent of those affected.

The core principles of sociocracy include the consent principle for decision-making, where proposals are accepted if no reasoned objection is raised, rather than requiring a majority vote. Another key element is the concept of "circles," which are self-organizing teams responsible for specific areas of work. Each circle has a defined mission and operates autonomously within its scope.

Sociocracy also utilizes a system of representation where members of lower-level circles elect representatives to higher-level circles, creating a feedback loop and ensuring that decisions are informed by all levels of the organization. Regular evaluation and adaptation are built into the process, allowing for continuous improvement. This governance model is applied in various settings, including businesses, cooperatives, non-profits, and intentional communities, seeking to foster collaboration, transparency, and efficient operation.