Consensus-building Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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consensus-building

[kənˈsɛnsəs ˈbɪldɪŋ ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Noun}

teamwork

Consensus-building is the process of working towards an agreement within a group by incorporating the opinions and ideas of all members. It involves open communication, active listening, and compromise to reach a decision that everyone can support.

Synonyms

agreement, collaboration, harmony.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
consensus-building	This term is used in situations where different opinions must be brought together to reach a common agreement. It's often used in organizational or political settings where collaboration is key. The team engaged in consensus-building to decide on the most viable project proposal. Effective consensus-building can lead to more sustainable decisions.
collaboration	This term refers to working jointly with others, especially in a creative or intellectual endeavor. It's commonly used in work or academic environments where teamwork is necessary. Successful collaboration between departments led to an innovative solution. They are known for their collaboration on several research projects.
harmony	This word is used to describe a situation where different elements coexist peacefully and without conflict. It’s suitable for describing relationships, communities, or any setting where balance and peace are important. The community lived in harmony despite their cultural differences. Their voices blended in perfect harmony during the choir performance.
agreement	This is a general term that can be used in any situation where two or more parties come to a mutual understanding or decision. It's appropriate in formal legal settings as well as informal everyday interactions. After a lengthy discussion, they finally reached an agreement. The terms of the agreement were beneficial to both parties.

Examples of usage

Consensus-building is essential for effective teamwork.
Through consensus-building, the team was able to find a solution that satisfied everyone.

^{Context #2 | Noun}

politics

In politics, consensus-building is the practice of seeking common ground among different parties or stakeholders to achieve a shared goal or resolution. It often involves negotiation, mediation, and diplomacy to reach a compromise that benefits all involved.

Synonyms

compromise, diplomacy, negotiation.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
consensus-building	This term is often used in a collaborative effort to come to a mutual agreement where every party's opinions are valued. It is common in team settings, organizational development, and community projects. Consensus-building sessions help ensure that all team members feel heard To reach a decision, they spent hours in consensus-building meetings
diplomacy	This term is connected with managing international relations, but it also extends to sensitive or difficult negotiations in a polite and effective manner. This is often seen in politics, international business, and conflict resolution. The ambassador displayed great diplomacy during the trade negotiations Handling the customer's complaint required a lot of diplomacy
negotiation	This word is used in contexts where parties discuss terms to reach a mutual agreement, often involving some compromise. It's common in business deals, salary discussions, and legislative processes. The companies began negotiations to merge their businesses After days of negotiation, they finally agreed on the contract terms
compromise	This word is used when each party involved in a disagreement gives up something in order to reach a mutually acceptable solution. It's common in relationships, politics, and business deals. They reached a compromise by splitting the profits equally The couple had to compromise on which movie to watch

Examples of usage

Consensus-building is crucial in reaching bipartisan agreements.
The success of the peace talks was attributed to consensus-building efforts.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Psychology

Consensus-building often involves active listening to ensure everyone's perspectives are acknowledged.
Group dynamics play a large role in the success of consensus-building; a supportive environment encourages open communication.
The principle of social proof suggests that individuals are more likely to accept an idea if they see others agreeing with it.

Conflict Resolution

Consensus-building is a key strategy in mediation, helping conflicting parties find common ground.
It often requires compromise, where all parties make concessions to reach an agreement that everyone can accept.
Techniques such as brainstorming and dialogue facilitation are crucial in the consensus-building process.

Political Science

In many democratic systems, consensus-building is essential for effective governance, as it fosters collaboration among different political factions.
Governments often host consensus-building workshops to mitigate conflict and heal divisions among citizens.
The use of consensus in policy-making can lead to more sustainable and widely accepted decisions.

Education

In classrooms, teachers use consensus-building methods to ensure all students contribute to group discussions, enhancing engagement.
Group projects often require students to practice consensus-building skills, preparing them for collaborative work in the future.
Educators emphasize the importance of respect and understanding in achieving consensus among diverse groups of students.

Origin of 'consensus-building'

Main points about word origin

The word 'consensus' comes from Latin, meaning 'to feel together' which reflects the idea of common agreement.
Building refers to creating or developing something, highlighting that consensus is something that takes effort to achieve.

The term 'consensus-building' originated in the field of social psychology in the mid-20th century. It gained popularity in the context of group decision-making processes and conflict resolution. The concept emphasizes the importance of cooperation, communication, and mutual understanding in reaching agreements. Over time, consensus-building has been widely adopted in various fields, including business, politics, and community development, as a key strategy for fostering collaboration and achieving collective goals.