Decision making

This page gathers HUB resources related to activist group decision-making.

“Collective decision-making is at the heart of citizen movements. Whether an organization has little or no organization or is seen as an important actor in civil society, it is the constant beating of a formal or informal decision-making process that gives it life. Decision-making models are intimately linked to the kind of structure in which these decisions are made. Thus, there is no one best model that can be applied to all structures." - Sami Haiouani, longtime activist

Here are some factors to consider when choosing the decision-making model:

• group values
• the number of people involved
• the composition of the group
• the type of organization
• the target
• legal responsibilities

We can make decisions that are in line with our values ​​AND that correspond to the structure of our group.

Consider your goals

This section is inspired by a resource from Samantha Slide, author of Going horizontal: Creating a Non-hierarchical Organization, One Practice at a Time.

Consent model

The model is used when...

• the focus is on the action
• we want to leave a place (although restricted) to the people involved

See the pages: Consent decision making 101 and How does horizontalism or non-hierarchical organizing work, and what have we learned from attempts at it? 

Consensus model

The model is used when...

• support from everyone is needed
• we focus on the quality of relationships and creating a sense of community

See the pages: Consensus decision making 101, consensus decision making (suggestions for small groups) and How does horizontalism or non-hierarchical organizing work, and what have we learned from attempts at it? 

Modified consensus

The model is used when...

• we are looking for a significant participation of the greatest number of people involved
• space is made up of people who don't know each other well

See the pages: Modified consensus decision making (suggestions for large and small groups) and How does horizontalism or non-hierarchical organizing work, and what have we learned from attempts at it?

 

Decision by authority

The model is used when...

• we want to maintain feedback collection practices
• a group is new to using decision-making models, trust is lacking, or to assign responsibility for making small decisions

The following are models that use authority:

a) DARCI Framework

The DARCI framework separates big picture or fundamental issues where everyone needs to be consulted and votes on decisions from smaller ones.

See DARCI decision making framework

b) Decision making through consultation and feedback

Here are suggested steps to apply this model.

1. Collection of comments	Collection of comments from members, authorities and “expert” people prior to the development of the project. Take inspiration from the deep democracy approach A. Gather all perspectives (especially those that are not our own) B. Actively look at alternative positions (does anyone think completely differently) C. Look at who supports this view D. Add the intelligence of the minority to the decision of the majority (wondering how to rally this minority to the majority) Harvest prospects Identify the people who have the most knowledge on the subject and those who are most affected by it. Prioritize them in the collection. Talk to people in person (in person, by phone), do a poll on possible positions, a reflection document, …
2. Decision and rationale	A group is responsible for making a decision taking these comments into account. He will present his decision to the large group, justifying it.
3. Feedback and modification	It is possible for the larger group to express their concerns, to mention the blind spots of the decision. The decision is modified based on the feedback.

c) Decision-making by consultation

Here are suggested steps to apply this model.

1. Collection of comments

Collection of comments from members, authorities and “expert” people prior to the development of the project. Take inspiration from the deep democracy approach A. Gather all perspectives (especially those that are not our own) B. Actively look at alternative positions (does anyone think completely differently) C. Look at who supports this view D. Add the intelligence of the minority to the decision of the majority (wondering how to rally this minority to the majority) Harvest prospects Identify the people who have the most knowledge on the subject and those who are most affected by it. Prioritize them in the collection. Talk to people in person (in person, by phone), do a poll on possible positions, a reflection document, …

2. Decision and rationale

Individual or working group decision based on these points.

The individual or the working committee may choose to modify the project based on the comments made during the presentation of the decision.

d) Decision making by justification

Here are suggested steps to apply this model.

1. Decision	Decision in working committee or in a pair of responsible people.
2. Rationale	Presentation and justification to the large group. Concerns may be raised at the time of presentation. The team that prepared the project must be ready to take the comments into consideration and adapt its plan to include the concerns. In such a case, it is possible to take a moment to consult and make the necessary adjustments.

Here is an example.

"We wanted to choose projects for which we had interest in putting energy, so it was a question of dividing into working committees according to the 3 projects most desired by the group. One person mentioned the importance of a particular file, although she did not vote for it as a project she wanted to work on. The facilitation team has therefore established the creation of working committees by report in addition to those voted on by interest. The file has therefore been added as a subject of a working group because it has been reported."

Autonomous decision

The model is used when...

• we want to decentralize decisions in order to maximize the autonomy of the groups.

An autonomous decision can (decision by publicity) or not (decision by respect for principles), include a part of consultation of the community (it is a good practice to adopt the majority of the time).

Decision by publication

Here are the suggested steps to apply this model.

1. Information

We inform the community of the activity or project that we want to implement. This must respect the principles/rules/code of conduct of the group.

2. Veto

Opposition to the activity or project can be reported by members of the community: works as a veto. This opposition will have to be shared by a % of the group (decided in advance) in order to have an effect. The action or project cannot be carried out as long as it does not respond to the issue raised. Explain that this veto is a protective mechanism and should be used as such. Inspired by consensus decision-making. Can be used to ensure compliance with group principles in the actions of autonomous groups.

Decision by respect for the principles

Particular usefulness  : In the context of projects or activities in which there is a necessary element of surprise, this type of decision-making is appropriate in order to minimize the risks of early disclosure.

1. Compliance with the principles

Clear group principles must have been established. The decisions taken must respect these principles.