Definition ∞ Decision Authority refers to the power or right to make choices and issue directives within an organization or system. In traditional structures, this power is typically centralized. Within digital asset systems, its distribution can vary significantly, impacting governance and operational control.
Context ∞ In the context of digital assets, discussions surrounding Decision Authority often focus on the degree of decentralization within protocols and platforms. A critical debate involves how to balance efficient governance with broad participant input, especially in decentralized autonomous organizations. Observing shifts in token-holder voting power or protocol upgrade mechanisms provides insight into this evolving distribution of control.