Sociocracy Glossary

1. Sociocracy

A governance system that enables people to work together as equals in decision-making, using consent and structured collaboration to achieve shared goals.

2. Consent

A decision-making process where a proposal moves forward only when no one has a reasoned and paramount objection. It ensures that everyone can live with the decision, even if it's not their favorite.

3. Circle

A semi-autonomous group (or team/work group) responsible for a specific domain or area of work. Each circle manages its own operations and decisions through sociocratic principles.

4. Role

A defined function within a circle, with a clear purpose, responsibilities, and sometimes specific decision-making power. Roles are assigned by consent, not hierarchy.

5. Double Link

A system where two people connect one circle to another: a leader and a delegate. This ensures mutual flow of information and influence between levels in the organization.

6. Facilitator

A role responsible for guiding the flow of circle meetings, ensuring everyone has a voice and the sociocratic process is followed.

7. Delegate

A person selected by consent to represent their circle in a higher-level circle. Delegates bring the perspective of their original circle and support two-way accountability.

8. Operational Role

A role that focuses on day-to-day tasks and responsibilities within a specific area of work, often assigned based on skills and interest.

9. Coordination Role (or Circle Leader)

A role focused on overseeing the domain of the circle, aligning its actions with the organization’s broader purpose, and ensuring coherence with other circles.

10. Policy Decision

A decision that defines how a circle will operate or organize itself—such as meeting schedules, procedures, or role definitions. Policy decisions are made by consent.

11. Operational Decision

Day-to-day choices made by individuals in their roles, based on existing policies. These don’t require group consent unless they affect others or change a policy.

12. Aim

The clearly defined purpose or function of a circle, role, or the entire organization. It answers the question: What are we here to do together?

13. Domain

The scope of authority and responsibility assigned to a circle or role. Domains clarify who decides what and where accountability lies.

14. Feedback Loops

Regular reflection processes (such as evaluations or check-ins) that help teams adjust their work and improve over time. Feedback is central to sociocracy’s learning approach.

15. Proposal

A suggestion for action or change that is brought to a circle and refined collaboratively before going through consent decision-making.

16. Objection

A reasoned concern raised during consent decision-making, showing that a proposal might harm the aim or effectiveness of the group. Objections are welcomed as opportunities to improve proposals.

17. Driver

A situation, need, or tension that motivates action or change. Drivers often lead to proposals or new policies and reflect what’s really happening on the ground.

18. Governance

The way decisions are made in an organization. In sociocracy, governance is decentralized, inclusive, and guided by consent.

19. Equivalence

The principle that everyone’s voice matters equally in decision-making. No one is ignored or overruled just because of their role or rank.

20. Transparency

Making information, decisions, and processes visible and accessible to everyone involved. Transparency builds trust and informed participation.