Sociocracy is a self-organizing governance model that applies complexity theory to organizational structure and decision-making. It was developed in the early 1800s and uses principles of consent-based decisions, semi-autonomous circles for different parts of the organization, connections between circles through double-linking, and consent-based elections. Sociocracy has been adopted by many European and US companies, non-profits, and governments and is based on inclusive decision-making through rounds and resolving all objections.

1. A Sociocratic Complex? a self-organizing governance model for the

3. History

4. early 1800’s – Auguste Comte: scientific method applied to society

5. mid-1800’s – Frank Ward: coined the term

7. Businesses as well as Government

8. US Green Building Council

9. Center for Non-Violent Communication (ABQ)

10. European divisions of Shell, Heineken, Mars and Pfizer

12. Governing Principles CONSENT decisions: no reasoned paramount objections CIRCLES governance: semi-autonomous and self-organizing DOUBLE-LINK connections: between circles CONSENT elections: open discussion

15. Paramount = unable to function within organization

16. MUST BE RESOLVED for (policy) decisions to take place

18. EVERYBODY participates in rounds

19. Opening Round

20. Proposals & Questions

21. Quick reaction round

22. Consent round

23. Change round – resolve objections by improving proposal

26. Have clear Vision, Mission and Aim

27. Make policy decisions within their domain

28. Delegate Leading, Doing and Measuring to members

29. Operational Leader

30. Circle Meeting Facilitator

31. Secretary and Log Keeper

32. Representative(s)

33. Maintain Log of meetings and decisions

34. Plan their own development

38. Governing Principles CONSENT decisions: no reasoned paramount objections CIRCLES governance: semi-autonomous and self-organizing DOUBLE-LINK connections: between circles CONSENT elections: open discussion

40. Lower circles elect representative(s) to higher circle

41. Typical structure:

42. TOP circle (~ Board of directors)

43. GENERAL CIRCLE (~ Department heads)

45. Governing Principles CONSENT decisions: no reasoned paramount objections CIRCLES governance: semi-autonomous and self-organizing DOUBLE-LINK connections: between circles CONSENT elections: open discussion

47. Every year or two

48. Clarify Function and Task of position, skills needed

49. Nomination round

50. each member nominates candidate and

51. explains why he/she is suited for the job

52. Change Round – opportunity to change original nomination

53. Facilitator proposes candidate

54. Consent Round: everyone expresses opinion and/or objection

57. Consider adopting sociocracy as governance of Complex

58. Engage a consultant to create an Implementation circle