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A Review of DAO Governance: Recent Literature and Emerging Trends

This systematic review charts the trajectory of academic research surrounding DAO governance, cataloging the rapid evolution of organizational paradigms within

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Abstract

This systematic review charts the trajectory of academic research surrounding DAO governance, cataloging the rapid evolution of organizational paradigms within the Web3 ecosystem. The authors categorize emerging trends, ranging from quadratic voting to optimistic governance models, and evaluate their real-world implementation across prominent protocols. The paper highlights the shift from early-stage experimental structures toward more sophisticated, hybrid models that attempt to balance efficiency with inclusivity. By analyzing multi-disciplinary contributions from computer science, finance, and law, the review identifies critical gaps in current literature, specifically the lack of empirical longitudinal data regarding the long-term viability of DAO governance in adverse market conditions. The work provides a comprehensive bibliography and a thematic classification that serves as an essential reference for researchers aiming to understand the maturation of decentralized organizations. Authors: Jungsuk Han, Jongsub Lee, Tao Li Publication: Academic Paper Publication date: 2025-01-01

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Key findings

  • DAO governance is shifting toward specialized, modular frameworks rather than one-size-fits-all models.
  • Recent research demonstrates a clear trend toward integrating off-chain identity with on-chain governance.
  • Empirical evidence is lacking regarding the long-term survivability of decentralized organizations under regulatory scrutiny.
  • Academic discourse is increasingly focused on the intersection of algorithmic law and human organizational behavior.

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Citation

Jungsuk Han, Jongsub Lee, Tao Li (2025). A Review of DAO Governance: Recent Literature and Emerging Trends. Academic Paper. https://papers.ssrn.com/sol3/papers.cfm?abstract_id=5074046
Canonical knowledge ID: research:a-review-of-dao-governance-recent-literature-and-emerging-trends