A Sociocratic Complex?a self-organizing governance model

for the

Sociocracy: History

• Applies complexity theory to governance of organizations• History• early 1800’s – Auguste Comte: scientific method applied to society• mid-1800’s – Frank Ward: coined the term• 1920’s – Kees Boeke: created school and developed key principles:

1. the interests of all members must be considered, the individual bowing to the interests of the whole

2. no action can be taken if there are no solutions found that everyone can accept

3. all members must be ready to act according to these unanimous decisions

• 1970’s – Gerard Edenburg: applied principles to his family company

Track record

• Widely adopted in Holland• Businesses as well as Government• US Green Building Council• Center for Non-Violent Communication (ABQ)• European divisions of Shell, Heineken, Mars and Pfizer• Dutch police unions

Governing Principles

1. CONSENT decisions: no reasoned paramount objections

2. CIRCLES governance: semi-autonomous and self-organizing

3. DOUBLE-LINK connections: between circles

4. CONSENT elections: open discussion

Governing Principles

1. CONSENT decisions: no reasoned paramount objections

2. CIRCLES governance: semi-autonomous and self-organizing

3. DOUBLE-LINK connections: between circles

4. CONSENT elections: open discussion

Consent Decision-making

• Consent governs policy decision-making.

• Consent means there are no argued and

paramount objections to a proposed

decision.

Argued and Paramount Objections

• Argued = present objection clearly for all to understand

• Paramount = unable to function within organization

• MUST BE RESOLVED for (policy) decisions to take place

• Rounds are used to resolve objections

Rounds

• Circle meetings consist of ROUNDS and Open Discussion

• EVERYBODY participates in rounds

• Opening Round

• Proposals & Questions

• Quick reaction round

• Consent round

• Change round – resolve objections by improving proposal

• Closing Round

Governing Principles

1. CONSENT decisions: no reasoned paramount objections

2. CIRCLES governance: semi-autonomous and self-organizing

3. DOUBLE-LINK connections: between circles

4. CONSENT elections: open discussion

Circles• Semi-autonomous and self-organizing units

• Have clear Vision, Mission and Aim

• Make policy decisions within their domain

• Delegate Leading, Doing and Measuring to members• Operational Leader• Circle Meeting Facilitator• Secretary and Log Keeper• Representative(s)

• Maintain Log of meetings and decisions

• Plan their own development

• Operate through Circle Meetings

Governing Principles

1. CONSENT decisions: no reasoned paramount objections

2. CIRCLES governance: semi-autonomous and self-organizing

3. DOUBLE-LINK connections: between circles

4. CONSENT elections: open discussion

Double-Links

• Higher circles elect Operational Leader of lower one

• Lower circles elect representative(s) to higher circle

• Typical structure:• TOP circle (~ Board of directors)• GENERAL CIRCLE (~ Department heads)• DEPARTMENTAL CIRCLE

Governing Principles

1. CONSENT decisions: no reasoned paramount objections

2. CIRCLES governance: semi-autonomous and self-organizing

3. DOUBLE-LINK connections: between circles

4. CONSENT elections: open discussion

Elections by Consent• Elect: leader, facilitator, secretary, representatives

• Every year or two

• Clarify Function and Task of position, skills needed

• Nomination round• each member nominates candidate and • explains why he/she is suited for the job

• Change Round – opportunity to change original nomination

• Facilitator proposes candidate

• Consent Round: everyone expresses opinion and/or objection

• Decision is made by consent

My Proposal

• Read book and discuss this option

• Consider adopting sociocracy as governance of Complex

• Engage a consultant to create an Implementation circle

• Create all circles and operate

My Proposal