Cohousing-L Mailing List: Re: Sociocracy

[Ed Stauff (edward.stauff]

I think a warning is in order regarding sociocracy.  In my experience with 
it, sociocracy has two parts: the process and the structure.  I found the 
sociocratic decision-making process to be quite adaptable to cohousing, if 
perhaps a bit overly structured for my own personal taste.  It certainly 
tries to make sure that every voice is heard -- within the circle (a.k.a. 
committee or team) that is making the decision.

On the other hand, the sociocratic *structure* is very hierarchical.  This 
is not surprising, given that it was originally conceived as an 
alternative way to run a corporation, and is a wonderful alternative to 
the way a corporation is usually structured and operated.  However, I 
found the hierarchy to be antithetical to the principle of governance by 
consensus of *all* the members, which for me is a necessary component of 
cohousing.  The Top Circle has *way* too much power, and the membership 
has no real way to remove the Top Circle if they feel it is failing them.  
I also want to point out that while every member has the right to *ask* to 
be part of any decision, the circle which is making that decision has the 
right to deny the request.  Worse, the Top Circle has the right to change 
the rules as it sees fit -- whether the rest of the membership likes it or 
not.

Please note that the above represents only my own personal experience with 
sociocracy (in conjunction with a professional consultant on sociocracy).  
Your mileage may vary.

Yours in Community,

-- Ed

+---------------+---------------------------------+------------------+
| Edward Stauff | Software engineer, bibliophile, | "Specialization  |
| ed [at] mewsic.com | musician, lexophile, cohouser,  | is for insects." |
| Fitchburg, MA | ferroequinologist, woodworker,  | -- Lazarus Long  |
|     WA1ZBR    | husband, dad. (Order varies.)   | (R. A. Heinlein) |
+---------------+---------------------------------+------------------+
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