Participatory Organisations (POs) are entities that engage stakeholders in decision-making processes. They vary in size, from small teams to global corporations, and span multiple sectors, including business, government, and civil society. POs are classified into three categories: Direct, Delegated, and Liquid.
Direct POs allow all members to participate in decision-making, with each vote equal in weight. They are often used in small groups where direct communication is feasible.
Delegated POs utilise representatives elected by members to make decisions on their behalf. This model is common in large organisations where direct participation is impractical.
Liquid POs blend the Direct and Delegated models. Members can either vote directly or delegate their vote to a trusted representative. This flexibility allows for more efficient decision-making.
POs offer several benefits, including increased engagement, improved decision quality, and enhanced resilience. However, they also face challenges such as decision paralysis, power concentration, and potential manipulation.
Tools for implementing POs include face-to-face meetings, online platforms, and blockchain technology. These tools facilitate communication, voting, and transparency, essential elements in a participatory system.
In conclusion, POs represent a means of democratising decision-making. Their success depends on the effective use of tools and the management of potential challenges.
Go to source article: https://github.com/ParticipatoryOrgs/Participatory-Organizations-Overview-and-Taxonomy