Consensus Process

As a group setting standards for a community, QIBA Committees generally follow a Consensus Process.

This means that, although strictly speaking a vote/ballot can pass with a majority in favor, a single negative vote results in further discussions.

The purpose of the discussion is to understand the reason for the negative vote(s) and attempt to find a compromise or resolution that allows everyone to vote in favor. Often that is possible. If, however, after due diligence exploring compromises it becomes clear it is not going to be possible, the chairs can accept the majority finding and the negative voters have at least had a chance to have their say and register their issues into the minutes.

Similarly, a large number of abstentions often indicates many people have some misgivings or have not been able to adequately evaluate the question on the table. This too warrants discussion.