Dynamic Governance is based on a combination of sociocratic principles that provide a solid foundation for effective, transparent, and enjoyable governance and decision-making. These principles are:
- Consent – to ensure that organizational policies allow everyone to do their jobs well, policy decisions are made by consent. Consent means there are no “paramount and reasoned” objections to a policy. “Paramount” objections arise when a proposed policy conflicts with the organization’s mission and aims. “Reasoned” objections are those that can be clearly explained to all involved – so they can be addressed and resolved!
- Circles – a circle is a semi-autonomous, self-organizing entity within an organization. Circles meet to determine policies in their domain of responsibility, using consent decision-making. Circles reflect operational structure, and include all roles and activities within an organization. Responsibility for leadership is distributed, so that individuals are included in the decisions that directly affect their work.
- Double Linking – In an effective organization, transparent feedback (information) needs to flow freely along relevant paths between circles. These paths are provided by double-linking – two people who are full members of both circles. This supports policy-making that reflects the needs of all those affected by a decision.
These three principles and their applications (see below) produce exceptionally strong, adaptable, and productive organizations. Dynamic Governance also embraces and integrates other best management practices, including transparency and ongoing organizational learning.
Applications – The above principles of Sociocracy are applied in diverse ways to create the structures and processes of Dynamic Governance. A few examples of such applications are:
- Elections – circles elect people to functions, tasks and roles by consent and with transparency. Elections are essentially selection by consent.
- Membership – Adding or removing members of a circle.
- Performance reviews – for circle members, by their fellow circle members.
Ultimately, all an organization’s policies towards carrying out their vision, mission and aims are done through applications of these foundational principles.
