Federations tend towards a looser network and a less disciplined approach to enforcement.

The most common aspirations expressed are:-

1. We want to collaborate
2. We want to exchange ideas and share best practice
3. We want to achieve efficiencies

Disadvantages of a decentralised system:-

1. You cannot dictate what members must do
2. No powers to issue directions
3. No motivation/incentive for members to do as they are told
4. A “voluntary” compliance model makes everything optional

Without the power to dictate standards, members make individual self-serving decisions rather than for the greater good of the network.