What is “consensus building" and why
use it?
It
is a decision-making methodology that is used in complex and
multi-party matters. It
operates as an alternative to mere “voting.” Rather than debate
followed by voting, this process is used to ensure
that everyone has a role in the outcome. By having a role, the process
should respond to the needs of every participant.
It can be used in a wide variety of
situations; institutional issue, planning, environmental and land use.
Underlying principles of “consensus
building”
-
All
participants gain something they value in the process.
-
All
participants are willing to participate.
-
Participants
have the authority to make commitments/recommendations.
-
Participants
agree on a process and goal for the discussion.
-
No one is
asked to compromise a basic value.
-
Facilitators
are neutral and impartial.
-
Information
is freely shared and sought.
-
The
process is “transparent.”
-
Outcomes
are determined by consensus, working with options that strive to
adequately meet all interests.
-
Parties
work with solutions that may not be perfect but they are willing to
recommend.
-
Must
speak to avoid a “false consensus.”
-
For this
discussion, each Participant is equal. Therefore,
size of an entity, reputation or experience do not matter.
Source:
Consensus Building Handbook, Susskind, McKearnan & Thomas Larmer, CBI,
Sage Publications, 1999
A good
reference source is the Consensus Building Institute, see http://www.cbuilding.com/
A schematic of the CBI process is at http://www.cbuilding.com/resources/diagrams/consbuilding.pdf
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