The impact of consensus decision making on creating conditions for psychological safety in SBDM councils.

This study reflects an examination of the forces and factors that impact effective decision-making on a Site-Based Decision Making council (SBDM) in Kentucky. It explores the relationship between consensus decision-making, the leader of a school, and the stakeholders who sit on an SBDM council as it relates to members’ feelings of inclusion, value, and belonging. A qualitative case study was designed to capture observational data gathered during SBDM meetings, as well as data gathered during member interviews. This data was analyzed through a relativist theoretical lens, which revealed that when open, trusting relationships are established among council members, decision-making flourishes. The findings and conclusions of this research have the potential to impact future SBDM councils in the future as they seek to embed inclusive decision-making practices that acknowledge cultural dynamics and cognitive inputs in a multicultural society.