The concept of levels of authority is an essential point we teach with all our shared governance work. difference between participatory management and shared decision-making. Level 1: data/information/idea gathering Level 2: data/information/idea gathering + recommendations Level 3: data/information/idea gathering + recommendations then pausing together feedback, communicate, clarify or negotiate. Only after pausing is action (shared decision-making) done. Level 4: Act and inform others after taking action. ‘Do as I would do’ .‘Act in my absence’ In shared governance organizations the majority of decisions that will be operationalized by clinical nurses should come from Level 3 authority.