Consensus decision-making is a
group decision making process that seeks the consent of all participants. Consensus may be defined professionally as an acceptable resolution, one that can be supported, even if not the "favourite" of each individual. Consensus is defined by Merriam-Webster as, first, general agreement, and second, group
solidarity of
belief or sentiment. It has its origin in the
Latin word
cōnsēnsus (agreement), which is from
cōnsentiō meaning literally
feel together. It is used to describe both the decision and the process of reaching a decision. Consensus decision-making is thus concerned with the process of deliberating and finalizing a decision, and the social and political effects of using this process.