It is of paramount importance for OLISTICA to fully articulate the gender dimension on the collective process. At the same time, OLISTICA has already proposed in its design the following conditions required to secure a healthy power balance in all decision-making processes:

• It will encourage the active participation of women in all different stages of the project.
• It will discriminate the results of the project according to the gender dimension.
• It will reinforce the gender implications of the uses of ICT as a high priority for creating an appropriate set of indicators.
• It will select a balanced number of observers so not to propitiate a gender-biased vision of ICT policy environments in LA&C countries.

The ethical component supportive of the cultural diversity of OLISTICA is also a key aspect of the methodological approach. A shared perception of solidarity, mutual respect and collaboration will be common ground to build a sense of trust and freedom required to work collectively. The coordination will also be supportive of an organizational culture and administration procedures that promote:

• Participation and active transparence that secure an equal treatment to all participants regardless any political "hidden" agenda.
• Animation and "pro-active" behavior required to create a momentum where creativity can flourish.
• A common and horizontal platform for action where to solidly ground democratic principles that fully reflect participant’s opinions and differing world-views.
• A culture of research further emphasized by:
• An appropriate use of ICTs, in particular e-mail, to facilitate the flow of information.
• A profound respect to intellectual property and confidentiality of information, when applicable.
• Openness to criticism as a key component of collective work.
• Solidarity.
• Autonomy.