Jim Rutt defines 'governance' as the complex and multi-faceted process by which groups, organizations, and societies establish, execute, and evolve their decision-making structures and mechanisms. It encompasses the rules, norms, and actions that guide the coordination and management of collective behavior, ensuring that diverse interests and perspectives are balanced to achieve common goals. According to Rutt, effective governance requires transparency, accountability, and adaptability to foster resilience and responsiveness in the face of changing environments and emerging challenges. It involves not only formal institutions but also informal practices, cultural values, and social dynamics, emphasizing the importance of collaboration and innovation in crafting solutions that are equitable and sustainable over time. In essence, governance is about how power and responsibilities are distributed and exercised to shape the trajectory of collective endeavors.

See also: cultural evolution, consensus process, collective intelligence, global workspace theory, integrated information theory