What is the Boundaries score?
Boundaries (BND) is one of the 8 core dimensions in the Compassion Benchmark framework — the independent 0–100 scoring system applied to governments, companies, AI labs, robotics labs, and cities. Boundaries measures whether an institution maintains ethical limits, protects its people from depletion, and refuses harmful practices even when they are profitable.
Boundariesis scored using 5 anchored subdimensions, each rated 0–5 against documented evidence. Those subdimension scores combine into the entity's BND dimension score, which contributes equally alongside the other 7 dimensions to the entity's overall composite score and performance band.
The 5 Boundaries subdimensions
Each subdimension is a specific assessment question, scored 0–5 against a behavioral anchor ladder from documented evidence.
B1
Self-Sustainability
Does compassionate work come from a stable, non-depleting foundation?
0–5 anchor scale for B1
- Frontline staff chronically depleted, burnout individual problem
- Wellbeing resources exist but use not monitored
- Turnover tracked, ≥1 structural burnout intervention
- Turnover below sector average, structures actually used
- Independently assessed as sustainable, data public
B2
Autonomy Preservation
Does help build capacity rather than creating dependency?
0–5 anchor scale for B2
- Help requires continued institutional involvement
- Autonomy-building stated, not measured
- ≥1 program designed to build capacity and exit
- Autonomy outcomes measured, cases of stepping back documented
- Community confirms increased self-determination
B3
Scope Clarity
Does this entity communicate honestly about what it can and cannot do?
0–5 anchor scale for B3
- Scope overstated, limitations discovered only after investment
- Limitations acknowledged when raised, not proactive
- Scope communicated at intake, structured referral exists
- Scope limitations communicated before commitment, warm referrals active
- Community confirms no surprises about scope
B4
Refusal Ethics
When this entity cannot help, does it decline with dignity and provide alternatives?
0–5 anchor scale for B4
- People turned away without explanation or alternatives
- Refusals generally respectful, no structured alternatives
- Refusal protocol with alternatives in most cases
- Warm referral in ≥80% of cases, outcomes tracked
- No one turned away without concrete alternative, verified
B5
Consent Orientation
Does this entity obtain genuine informed consent?
0–5 anchor scale for B5
- Consent as legal formality, forms not informative
- Forms designed to protect institution, not inform
- Genuine explanation, withdrawal communicated clearly
- Consent verified as genuinely informed, withdrawal without penalty
- Independently reviewed, low-literacy populations confirm understanding