Open Governance

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Why?

One of the significant challenges faced by new contributors in open-source software projects is finding a way to start. The Open Governance process in Sociocracy 3.0 provides a solution to this issue. By defining organizational drivers, forming proposals, and using consent decision-making, new contributors can easily identify areas where they can contribute and get involved in the decision-making process. The transparent and inclusive nature of the Open Governance process allows new contributors to understand the project's objectives and priorities, making it easier for them to find a starting point. Moreover, the emphasis on continuous improvement and equivalence ensures that new contributors' voices are heard and valued, helping to build their confidence and motivation to contribute. By adopting the Open Governance process, open-source software projects can create a more welcoming and supportive environment for new contributors, ultimately leading to a more diverse and active community.

What?

The Open Governance process in Sociocracy 3.0 (S3) is structured around three key components: organizational drivers, proposal forming, and consent decision-making. These elements are interconnected and guided by the framework’s principles, such as consent, equivalence, and continuous improvement.

How?

Organizational Drivers

In S3, a Driver represents a situation that requires action or change. It is defined through a structured process that identifies:

• Observation: What is happening?
• Effect: What is the impact of this situation?
• Need: What is required to address it?
• Impact: What would be the outcome of resolving it?

Drivers help align organizational efforts by focusing on shared objectives. They are prioritized based on relevance and importance, ensuring that resources are allocated effectively to address pressing needs[2][4].

Proposal Forming

Once a Driver is identified, the proposal-forming phase begins. This process emphasizes collaboration and draws on the collective wisdom of the group:

1. Individuals or small groups (often called Tuners) draft a proposal based on input from stakeholders.
2. The draft is presented to the relevant circle (a semi-autonomous decision-making group) for review.
3. Feedback is incorporated iteratively to refine the proposal.

This approach ensures that proposals are "good enough for now and safe enough to try," allowing for incremental improvements over time[2][6].

Consent Decision-Making

Consent decision-making is a cornerstone of S3 governance. Unlike consensus, which seeks full agreement, consent focuses on the absence of paramount objections. The process involves:

1. Presenting the refined proposal to the circle.
2. Participants express their stance using gestures or statements:
   • Thumbs up: Agreement.
   • Doubting hand: Concerns but no objections.
   • Palm up: Objection requiring revision.
3. Objections are addressed collaboratively, often leading to adaptations that improve the proposal.

This method ensures decisions are inclusive, efficient, and aligned with organizational goals. It empowers those impacted by decisions to participate actively while maintaining momentum for action[4][6].

Principles Guiding the Process

The entire governance process in S3 adheres to its core principles:

• Equivalence: Everyone affected by a decision has a voice in shaping it.
• Transparency: Information is openly shared unless confidentiality is necessary.
• Continuous Improvement: Decisions are revisited and refined as new insights emerge[1][3][7].

By integrating these elements, Sociocracy 3.0 fosters agile, resilient organizations capable of adapting to change while maintaining alignment with shared objectives.