[tdf-discuss] Agreement-seeking culture

Agreement-seeking culture 
        We desire to create an agreement-seeking culture. 
        
        That is, we endeavor to make plans and reach decisions based on
        achieving wide-spread agreement. Agreement-seeking is not the
        same as consensus, as consensus tries for universal agreement,
        elusive if not impossible to achieve.
        
        Agreement-seeking as a central principle is also different than
        majority rule. While voting can play a constructive role as an
        advisory means of expression of preference, binding procedures
        of any kind can under emphasize and even undermine the critical
        role of discussion and deliberation in the shaping of plans.
        Voting on polls is considered assertively consultative, not
        binding. Elections of individuals to fill roles within the
        organization on the other hand are binding.
        
        For agreements to be meaningful it is important that those with
        a stake in the outcome be participants in determining the course
        of action. So, for instance, it's a matter of common sense that
        those with technical expertise should be intimately involved in
        technical decision-making.
        
        Further, given that The Document Foundation is developing
        services for non-technical users also, it is important that
        end-user interests be represented in the process of creating
        services.
        
        
Just some thoughts,

Drew


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