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ArticleIntro

Sociocracy: The Worker Co-op Operating System

A CooperationWorks article arguing that sociocracy can help worker co-ops avoid informal hierarchy, scale beyond consensus, and build transparent governance practices.

Source: CooperationWorksAdded June 12, 2026Published 2019
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Why it matters

It directly addresses why worker co-ops may need something beyond flat consensus as they grow.

Best for

Worker co-op founders and members evaluating whether sociocracy fits their governance needs.

This article is useful because it names a common worker co-op problem: flat structures can still develop hidden hierarchy. Sociocracy is presented as a way to make authority, consent, and accountability more visible.

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Heirloom Library entries are summaries and wayfinding notes. The original source is the best place to read the full resource.

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