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The term participation can be used to mean different things in different contexts. To give two extremes, a person can be said to participate by the very fact of agreeing to interact with an organisation, such as coming to meetings but remaining silent; or through participating in the governance of an organisation by providing input into organisational objectives.
In the context of the GAP Framework, participation is the process through which an organisation enables key stakeholders to play an active role in the decision making processes and activities which affect them. Participation refers to active engagement of stakeholders in decision making. The defining factor here is that participation must allow for change. There is no point consulting or involving others if it makes no difference. Participatory processes need to be tied in closely to systems of power, influence and decision making.
It is important to highlight that, given the number and variety of stakeholders affected by a decision, it would be unrealistic to expect an organisation to engage with them all; or to expect that all stakeholders can have an equal say in decision making processes. Within this definition, greater or lesser participation of the various stakeholders can occur at various stages in the decision making process and activities of an organisation. However, the organisation must have clear guidelines enabling it to prioritise stakeholders appropriately and to be responsive to the difference in power between them. Some representation at all levels and stages in the decision making and implementation process is essential. Mechanisms need to be in place to ensure that the most affected and marginalised groups are represented and have influence.
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Accountable Organisations 
