LibraryScenariosWhen consensus decision-making enables domination by a few voices
Scenario

When consensus decision-making enables domination by a few voices

Our community garden collective makes decisions by consensus but three people dominate every conversation and the rest of us have learned to just go along with whatever they want, and I'm wondering if consensus is actually making us less democratic.

Juana
Online
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More people experience this than they realize.

What we've seen

Democratic processes can be co-opted by those most comfortable wielding informal power, creating the appearance of equality while preserving hierarchy.

Ideas that help explain it
Worth thinking about

“Where Are You with Authenticity across traditions?”

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