FKI:Strategy/Modus operandi
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The FKI consists of a core team supported by a distributed network of partners and collaborators working on various mission-driven activities. In order to accommodate diverse groups of participants collaborating on tasks of varying complexity and criticality, the following principles have been established to foster a working environment conducive to effective peer-production. Shared Purpose We start off with a clear vision for the FKI and a common understanding of the goals and objectives towards which we strive. The IO Map serves as a radar and guide in designing, selecting and prioritising activities. Flexibility We recognise that members are diverse in terms of culture, positions held, experience, interests, language, geographical location, time zones, and have different levels of commitment or participation: activities vary from informal volunteer support to formalised project work. For this reason, almost all our interactions are conducted with a combination of synchronous (usually IRC) and asynchronous (e.g. via wikis and discussion fora) communication to maximise the benefits of both. Collaboration When needed, and especially when there is a sense of urgency, we facilitate focused goal-directed face-to-face, teleconference and/or IRC interactions using free software tools to enable and record the interactions on-the-fly. Examples include free software for VoIP such as Ekiga, IRC tools, MediaWiki, LibreOffice with change tracking, etc. To facilitate the community and teams various services are run on our servers, like mailing lists and web-based platforms, most noticeably the FTA Campus environment and the community platform. In addition to facilitating participation and transparency, this streamlines recording of proceedings and enables involvement by others who are not able to be physically present at the time. The Induction Manual summarises various collaboration tools available. Shared values Our values - also expressed in our Founding Principles - drive all our activities, and while we respect everyone's freedom of expression, our Code of Conduct suggests ways of being and behaving to maximise productive interaction among diverse participants. Communication As indicated in the IO map above, communication is central to this strategy and merits a separate document. See Communication Strategy. |
