consent.md 1.7 KB
layout: module title: Lazy consensus permalink: /modules/lazy_consensus/ summary: Proposals are presumed to pass in the absence of objections.
type: decision
Lazy consensus is a method for decision-making according to which proposals within a group may be presumed to pass unless any explicit objections arise. It blends features of do-ocracy and consensus process. The Apache Software Foundation, which holds lazy consensus as a value, summarizes the method as "silence is consent."
Input: proposal within group, presumption of approval
Output: approval by silence or objection that triggers further deliberation
Background
Lazy consensus is most widely employed among free/open-source software projects.
Feedback loops
Sensitivities
- Empowers participants to take initiative and rewards commitment with authority
- Lowers cost of governance
Oversights
- Privileges voices of participants with more time and attention due to external inequalities
- Insuffient participation can lead to insufficient decision-making oversight
- Ambiguity arising from community silence (cf. "Warnock's dilemma")
Implementations
Communities
Tools
Free/open-source projects that employ lazy consensus often rely on email discussion lists for decision-making. The method helps reduce the traffic on such lists.
Further resources
- Nowviskie, Bethany. March 10, 2012. "Lazy Consensus." Based on #code4lib conference keynote.