"Sociocracy" comes from the Latin word socius, meaning "companion" or "friend," and the Greek root cracy (from kratos), meaning "power" or "rule". Therefore, sociocracy literally means "rule by companions" or "peer governance," referring to a system of governance by people who regularly interact and have a common goa
Sociocracy is a governance system designed to guide collective and individual decision-making through shared power, non-coercive processes, and alignment with an organization’s purpose. Originating with Dutch engineer Gerard Endenburg and influenced by Quaker decision-making, pacifism, natural systems, and cybernetics, sociocracy’s core principle is that those doing the work should make the related decisions. Its structure relies on autonomous, interconnected “circles” that hold decision-making authority over specific domains, ensuring that the division of labor aligns with the division of governance. Practices such as double linking between circles and consent-based decision-making create a distributed, non-hierarchical system in which all voices are heard and power is balanced.
Sociocracy employs a range of structured processes—such as rounds for discussion, consent decision-making, role selection, proposal co-creation, and feedback loops—to foster focus, transparency, and collective ownership. It is widely applied in worker cooperatives, intentional communities, associations, networks, and mid-sized businesses, with large-scale implementations including children’s and neighborhood parliaments in India. When practiced with discipline and commitment, sociocracy can radically shift organizational power dynamics toward equality and collaboration, though superficial adoption risks replicating inherited hierarchies. Its adaptability and emphasis on peer governance make it a powerful framework for building resilient, participatory organizations.