Can you tell me more about the WorldBlu List?

What is the WorldBlu List of Most Democratic Workplaces™?
The WorldBlu List of Most Democratic Workplaces™ is a global list recognizing and honoring organizations in the for-profit, non-profit and government sectors operating democratically. It is a list, not a ranking, and it is announced on an annual basis.

Who can apply and what are the requirements?
Any organization from the for-profit, non-profit or government sector that operates using the principles of democracy is invited to apply by taking the WorldBlu Democratic Workplace Scorecard™.

An organization must have been in operation for at least one (1) full year and have at least five (5) regular full-time or part-time employees (not including temporary employees or independent contractors) in order to be eligible for the WorldBlu List.

What is the deadline to apply for the WorldBlu List 2010?
The application sign-up deadline for the WorldBlu List 2010 is November 30, 2009. Employees will then complete the WorldBlu List survey from January 1 – February 28, 2010.

When will the WorldBlu List 2010 be announced?
The WorldBlu List of Most Democratic Workplaces 2010 will be announced on April 13, 2010, Democracy in the Workplace Day.

What is the process for applying?
For more information about the application process, please click here.

What does it cost to apply?
WorldBlu is a 501(c)(3) non-profit and, as such, does not generate a profit off of the WorldBlu List of Most Democratic Workplaces™ award program. However, in order to help defer some of the costs involved with the survey and assessment process, we charge a minimal fee for organizations to participate. In addition to joining a trend-setting community of top tier organizations, the cost to apply for the WorldBlu List of Most Democratic Workplaces™ entitles you to receive a variety of benefits.

The fees are as follows:

Early-bird registration (from April 14-July 31, 2009):

$595 - Non-profit, governmental organizations, and start-ups (incorporated for two years or less)
$795 - Small company (5-250 employees)
$995 - Medium company (251-999 employees)
$1195 - Large company (1000+ employees)

Member Registration - for WorldBlu List awardees (August 1- November 30, 2009):

$695 - Non-profit, governmental organizations, and start-ups (incorporated for two years or less)
$895 - Small company (5-250 employees)
$1095 - Medium company (251-999 employees)
$1295 - Large company (1000+ employees)

Regular Registration (August 1- November 30, 2009):

$795 - Non-profit, governmental organizations, and start-ups (incorporated for two years or less)
$995 - Small company (5-250 employees)
$1195 - Medium company (251-999 employees)
$1395 - Large company (1000+ employees)

What are the benefits to applying?
For more information about why your organization should apply and the benefits you receive, click here.

How does WorldBlu measure democracy in the workplace?
Employees throughout an organization complete a survey using the online WorldBlu Democratic Workplace Scorecard™. The WorldBlu Scorecard evaluates an organization according to the ten principles of organizational democracy on the individual, leadership, and systems and processes levels.

How many people need to take the WorldBlu Scorecard?
In general, applicants have a choice of either 70 percent of employees completing the survey or 100 percent of a total random sample group. The exact number of employees required to complete the WorldBlu Scorecard is calculated during the sign-up process based on your total number of full-time and part-time employees.

How do I know if my organization is democratic?
After a decade of research into what democracy is and how it can operate in business, we’ve discovered that there are ten core principles of organization democracy that when put into practice cultivate a democratic workplace. Take a look at the principles as well as our definition of organizational democracy to determine if your organization should apply.

Which organizations made previous WorldBlu Lists?
You can see which organizations from the for-profit, non-profit, and government sector made the WorldBlu List for each year by clicking the respective links:

What if I have more questions?
If you have additional questions that have not already been answered on the website, please contact:

Traci Fenton at traci[at]worldblu[dot]com or call + 1 202 251 8099.