10.a. I’m worried about EA’s lack of governance safeguards against power abuse.
Needs not fulfilled: safety, effectiveness, justice
Associated emotions: worry
Description: “I’m worried that EA lacks adequate formal check-and-balances against influential members who might abuse their power. There’s limited transparency about how major decisions are made, how resources are allocated, or what oversight mechanisms exist. The EA Forum’s karma system can amplify certain voices in ways that affect perceived legitimacy and influence over community direction. I worry that unscrupulous actors could exploit these governance gaps and concentrated power structures to pursue their own interests whilst claiming to serve the greater good.”
10.b. I’m confident EA has effective governance safeguards and oversight against power abuse.
Needs fulfilled: safety, effectiveness, justice
Associated emotions: trust, security, calmness
Description: “I’m confident that EA has developed robust governance safeguards and oversight mechanisms that protect against abuse of power by influential members. Whilst EA involves some centralisation around key organisations and individuals, I’ve observed transparent decision-making processes and effective accountability measures. The EA Forum provides an excellent platform for open debate and scrutiny of decisions, and I’ve seen leadership respond thoughtfully to community feedback and criticism. When misconduct has occurred, I’ve witnessed accountability measures and institutional reforms being implemented. A few EA organisations maintain public ‘mistakes’ pages and undergo external evaluations. I feel assured that the movement’s governance continues to mature and strengthen, with proper safeguards in place to prevent unscrupulous actors from exploiting the system for personal gain.”
10. Checks and balances
10.a. I’m worried about EA’s lack of governance safeguards against power abuse.
Needs not fulfilled: safety, effectiveness, justice
Associated emotions: worry
Description: “I’m worried that EA lacks adequate formal check-and-balances against influential members who might abuse their power. There’s limited transparency about how major decisions are made, how resources are allocated, or what oversight mechanisms exist. The EA Forum’s karma system can amplify certain voices in ways that affect perceived legitimacy and influence over community direction. I worry that unscrupulous actors could exploit these governance gaps and concentrated power structures to pursue their own interests whilst claiming to serve the greater good.”
10.b. I’m confident EA has effective governance safeguards and oversight against power abuse.
Needs fulfilled: safety, effectiveness, justice
Associated emotions: trust, security, calmness
Description: “I’m confident that EA has developed robust governance safeguards and oversight mechanisms that protect against abuse of power by influential members. Whilst EA involves some centralisation around key organisations and individuals, I’ve observed transparent decision-making processes and effective accountability measures. The EA Forum provides an excellent platform for open debate and scrutiny of decisions, and I’ve seen leadership respond thoughtfully to community feedback and criticism. When misconduct has occurred, I’ve witnessed accountability measures and institutional reforms being implemented. A few EA organisations maintain public ‘mistakes’ pages and undergo external evaluations. I feel assured that the movement’s governance continues to mature and strengthen, with proper safeguards in place to prevent unscrupulous actors from exploiting the system for personal gain.”