> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.contributionism.io/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.contributionism.io/governance-and-accountability/direct-delegated-and-representative-decision-making.md).

# Direct, delegated and representative decision-making

Governance should enable informed decisions without requiring every contributor to become an expert in every organisational activity.

Direct participation, delegation and representation are complementary tools.

## **Direct decision-making**

Direct decision-making allows eligible contributors to vote on a proposal themselves. It can be suitable for small organisations, major constitutional decisions, leadership elections. and clearly defined policy choices. It becomes more demanding as the number, frequency and complexity of decisions increase. Direct voting is not automatically superior if participants lack the information or time needed to evaluate the issue.

## **Team autonomy**

Teams can receive authority over decisions closely related to their work. Some example decision areas include technical methods, work scheduling within agreed limits, supplier selection within a budget, internal quality processes and project implementation.

The wider organisation should specify the team’s boundaries and obligations. Autonomy is more effective when teams understand their objectives, budget, dependencies, reporting responsibilities and when a decision must be escalated.

## **Optional delegation**

A participant may prefer to delegate their vote to another person. This can reduce participation burdens and allow people to rely on trusted expertise. Rules around delegation should address:

* Which decisions can be delegated.
* Whether delegation can be revoked.
* Whether a delegate may pass authority onward.
* How conflicts of interest are disclosed.
* Whether concentration limits apply.
* What records are visible.

Delegation can become concentrated even when the original voting rights are widely distributed.

## **Representative governance**

Representatives may be elected to a board, council or committee. They can develop expertise and examine decisions in greater depth than every member could individually. The organisation will need to define their mandate, term, duties, reporting requirements, removal procedures and any reserved decisions requiring wider approval. Representation does not mean unlimited authority.

## **Proposal and deliberation processes**

Voting is only one stage of decision-making. A sound process should explain:

1. Who can submit a proposal.
2. What information is required.
3. How alternatives are considered.
4. How affected parties are consulted.
5. When the proposal is ready for a vote.
6. How the outcome is implemented and reviewed.

Good deliberation can be more important than small differences in voting formulas.

## **Voting thresholds**

Different decisions may justify different thresholds. Ordinary operational decisions may use a simple majority. Constitutional amendments or changes affecting protected rights may require stronger approval. Quorum rules can ensure sufficient participation, but very high quorum requirements can allow organised non-participation to block decisions. Thresholds should be chosen with these incentives in mind.

## **Urgent decisions**

Emergencies may require temporary authority. An emergency process should identify what qualifies as an emergency, who will be able to act, the limits of the action, any reporting requirements, when ordinary governance will resume and whether later ratification is required. Emergency powers should not become a routine way to bypass participation.

## **Deadlock**

The organisation should establish a process for unresolved disagreement. Possible steps include having further deliberation, taking independent advice, mediation, making a revised proposal, finding a defined fallback decision-maker or having a cooling-off period. Deadlock procedures should preserve essential operations without automatically favouring the most powerful group.