Consensus decision making

people watching a crowd

Consensus decision is a decision-making method that involves reaching agreement between all members of a group with regards to a certain issue.  

It differs from majority decision-making, such as that used in democratic elections, in that, instead of taking a vote for an item where the majority dominates, a group using consensus is committed to finding solutions that everyone can accept.

"This ensures that all opinions, ideas and concerns are taken into account. Through listening closely to each other, the group aims to come up with proposals that work for everyone. Consensus is neither compromise nor unanimity - it aims to go further by weaving together everyone's best ideas and key concerns - a process that often results in surprising and creative solutions, inspiring both the individual and the group as a whole.

Consensus can work in all types of settings - small groups, local communities, businesses, even whole nations and territories. The exact process may differ depending on the size of the group and other factors, but the basic principles are the same."

Source: Seeds For Change, Consensus Decision Making

Resources

Seeds for Change, Consensus Decision Making, Workshops for Action and Social Change, UK. Retrieved from https://www.seedsforchange.org.uk/consensus

'Consensus decision making' is referenced in: