Sociocracy

Sociocracy is founded on the idea that a more equal and democratic structure can create better work conditions and a more coherent system. As an organisational structure, sociocracy is used to create a balance between team member interdependence and autonomy. This approach can be more beneficial for making decisions than a traditional hierarchy that works from the top down.

According to Sociocracyforall.org, sociocracy is a ‘peer governance system based on consent’. As an organisational structure, it allows leaders to develop trusted teams with an ability to collaborate and participate in decisions that affect them. Decisions are made by circles of people, each with their own purpose and authority. The approach creates a decentralized power dynamic that gives employees a strong mechanism for sharing feedback and suggestions for improvements.

The main benefit of adopting sociocratic governance is that no one is ignored, and the organisation can achieve improvement over time. Other benefits are having more opportunities for professional development and leadership development, better delegation of work, and more cooperation.

Sociocracy Principles

There are three basic principles to leadership through sociocracy. The first is the principle of consent. Decisions are made with the consent of those they affect directly and are approved when there are no objections. The second tenant is the principle of circles. Governance is done through a circular hierarchy rather than a top-down approach. Circles are semi-autonomous and self-organizing and are created to delegate responsibilities in specific domains of expertise.

The third principle is the double link. Circles still have a structure that involves lower and higher-level decisions and responsibilities. Each circle is linked together by one representative, the circle officer, who attends both group meetings. This double link creates a connection between both working groups and encourages information sharing. Authority can be shared across several circles and helps create transparency. When a circle member objects to a proposal, the issue is discussed until everyone is satisfied with the result.

Sociocracy is built on a governance method that allows leaders to share responsibility for policy making with others, which creates equity between team members and recognizes experts within the organisation. Board members still have the authority to manage and direct the organisation, oversee the strategic plan, and provide financial oversight. As the top circle, the board ensures the organisation develops and functions well. Board members make their decisions by consent, which requires a higher number than a majority vote.

Sociocracy governance structure

Sociocracy structure is flexible and can be tailored to the needs of the organisation, which can change over time. The circles are created with a purpose and are each assigned a different role. Circle members work together on various parts of the business and must select a secretary to record decisions, a facilitator to manage the meetings, a circle leader to coordinate operations within the circle, and a circle officer who shares information with the parent circle.

Each circle member is assigned a role, and one person can have several within their group. At every level, each circle makes its own decisions about an issue related to its domain. Rather than having a central committee that runs the entire organisation. the small teams each have authority over their domain and don’t require permission from the top circle. However, they do need to communicate with other circles when their goals are related.

The Board of Directors typically have more power and represents the ‘top circle’ in the organisation. The top circle is sometimes considered the mission circle and consists of board members who drive the mission of the organisation. All circle officers have an important role in creating linkages between the two circles and making sure information flows freely across the organisation. Some organisations create a coordinating circle made of representatives from the other teams. Others use a general circle that supports other circles with their work and everyday tasks.