page_title: Consensus decision-making
section_title: Blocking
hierarchical_section_title: Consensus decision-making / Process models / Specific models / Blocking
caption_attribution_description: English: Flowchart of consensus based decision-making Français&#160;: Diagramme représentant un mode de prise de décision fondé sur le consensus
context_page_description: Consensus decision-making or consensus politics refers to group decision-making processes in which participants develop and decide on proposals with the aim, or requirement, of acceptance by all. The focus on avoiding negative opinion differentiates consensus from unanimity, which requires all participants to positively support a decision. Consensus comes from Latin meaning "agreement, accord," which in turn comes from consentire, meaning "feel together". Both the process and outcome of consensus decision-making are referred to as consensus.
context_section_description: Groups that require unanimity commonly use a core set of procedures depicted in this flow chart.
  Once an agenda for discussion has been set and, optionally, the ground rules for the meeting have been agreed upon, each item of the agenda is addressed in turn. Typically, each decision arising from an agenda item follows through a simple structure:
  Discussion of the item: The item is discussed with the goal of identifying opinions and information on the topic at hand. The general direction of the group and potential proposals for action are often identified during the discussion.
  Formation of a proposal: Based on the discussion a formal decision proposal on the issue is presented to the group.
  Call for consensus: The facilitator of the decision-making body calls for consensus on the proposal. Each member of the group usually must actively state whether they agree or consent, stand aside, or object, often by using a hand gesture or raising a colored card, to avoid the group interpreting silence or inaction as agreement.  The number of objections is counted to determine if this step's consent threshold is satisfied.  If it is, dissenters are asked to share their concerns with proceeding with the agreement, so that any potential harms can be addressed/minimized. This can happen even if the consent threshold is unanimity, especially if many voters stand aside.
  Identification and addressing of concerns: If consensus is not achieved, each dissenter presents his or her concerns on the proposal, potentially starting another round of discussion to address or clarify the concern.
  Modification of the proposal: The proposal is amended, re-phrased or ridered in an attempt to address the concerns of the decision-makers. The process then returns to the call for consensus and the cycle is repeated until a satisfactory decision passes the consent threshold for the group.
caption: Flowchart of basic consensus decision-making process.
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