Skip to main content
Black background with colourful vertical bars and hashtag text “#BEYONDTHERULES.”
Articles

6 Aug 2021

#BeyondtheRules - Balanced governance and ‘behaving well’ everywhere, every day

By Dark Matter Labs

This article explores the idea of “balanced governance” and why good behaviour in organisations is about more than just following rules. It encourages leaders to think beyond compliance and focus on values, culture, and everyday actions that shape how organisations behave and make decisions.

View resource

Summary

This Medium article by Dark Matter Labs looks at governance in social enterprises as a network of parts that shape group behaviour. It focuses on balancing five key factors:

  • Power: Who holds decision-making authority
  • Autonomy: The freedom to act independently
  • Responsibility: Duty to carry out roles effectively
  • Accountability: Holding actions and decisions to standards
  • Risk: Sharing and managing potential downsides

The authors argue that imbalances in these factors can lead to issues like corruption or unfairness. They suggest rethinking traditional structures and redistributing roles and power within organisations. The article also connects governance to larger social and economic issues, highlighting the impact of individual choices.

Dark Matter Labs is also part of a broader initiative, Beyond the Rules, which explores new ways to organise and govern.

Two circular portraits on a light grey background with abstract curved shapes and teal arrows. Christina Chun, Chief Product Officer, is pictured smiling at the top left against a coral background. Kate Kutty, Engagement Lead, is pictured at the bottom right against a cream background with an orange circular border.

We’d love to hear from you!

Understorey is shaped by the people and organisations across Australia. Have suggestions, ideas or resources to share? Get in touch and help us make Understorey more useful, relevant and accessible for everyone.

Get in touch