> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.clarity.vote/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.clarity.vote/dao-fundamentals/decentralized-organizations.md).

# Decentralized Organizations

A Decentralized Organization (DO) is an organization that takes the community governance principles of a DAO, but does not enforce decisions automatically via a blockchain. There are lots of examples of DOs that exist in the real world already, like co-ops. 

The key characteristics that DAOs and DOs share are:

1. Decentralization: Both DAOs and DOs make decisions with the consent of the governed, and follow through on the decisions made by the collective. It is important for these organizations to always act in this way, not only when it benefits a small group.
2. Transparency: Even if a Decentralized Organization is not recording its decision-making on a blockchain, it is transparent in publishing the results of votes and sticking to a defined decision-making process that is collectively agreed upon.