Design for Collective Action

Read this in “Cooperation in Business” (PDF, ~900kB), Elinor Ostrom (t d f)‘s design principles. I think here we have some very clear hints how to design and deploy social software.

– Clearly define group boundaries
– Match rules for resource use to local needs
– Allow those affected to modify the rules
– Support mutual monitoring on individuals
– Enforce graduated sanctions
– Provide low-cost conflict resolution
– Build multiple layers of governance