Three House Governance Model
Version 1.0
ποΈ What is a Three-House Governance Model?β
A three-house governance model is a system where decision-making power is split between three distinct groups (or "houses"), each with different roles, responsibilities, and perspectives.
A three-house governance model (like the one used in Matou DAO) creates a balance of power between cultural guidance, strategic community leadership and operational contributors. Here are the key benefits:
ποΈ Benefits of a Three-House Governance Modelβ
1. Cultural Integrity + Community Validation + Technical Executionβ
- Elders Council ensure that the culture and values of the organisation are prioritised.
- Community House ensures decisions reflect the needs of communities.
- Contributor House ensures those decisions are realistically implemented by people doing the work.
β Culture, community and code walk together β not in conflict.
2. Representation + Meritocracy + Wisdomβ
- Elders Council brings together respected knowledge holders and cultural stewards.
- Community House gives voice to tribal or regional representatives.
- Contributor House recognizes those who actively build and maintain the system.
β Blends community voice, technical contribution, and intergenerational wisdom.
3. Specialization of Focusβ
- Community House: Ethics, identity, sovereignty, and community strategy.
- Contributor House: Tools, platform delivery, and operational infrastructure.
- Elders Council: Guardianship of tikanga, kawa, spiritual values, and dispute resolution.
β Each house focuses on its core strengths without conflict or confusion.
4. Deepened Legitimacyβ
- Decisions gain legitimacy through cultural, technical, and ancestral review.
- Broader community trust is built through inclusive, respectful processes.
β People trust decisions that honor values, expertise, and wisdom.
5. Conflict Resolution Pathwaysβ
- Disputes between Community and Contributor Houses can be referred to the Elders Council.
- Elders serve as neutral arbiters, bringing cultural, historical, and spiritual perspectives to resolve deadlocks.
β Prioritizes dialogue, reflection, and reconciliation over hasty decisions.
6. Scalable, Intergenerational Governanceβ
- The model allows each house to scale independently as more communities, contributors, and elders participate.
- Supports nested, federated governance systems that respect local autonomy.
β Built for sustainable, long-term growth while maintaining cultural foundations.
Summary Tableβ
| Benefit | Description |
|---|---|
| Balance of power | No single group controls everything |
| Cultural + technical | Integrates Indigenous values and technical delivery |
| Role clarity | Strategic vs operational roles are separated |
| Trust & legitimacy | More representative and respected decision-making |
| Scalable & flexible | Adapts to growing communities or teams |