Layer 4 — Structure (Domains)
0. Introduction
0.1 Purpose of Domain Extended Factors
The Domain Extended Factors standard defines the additional institutional systems and structures required by specific domains beyond the 25 Core Institutional Systems. While the 25 Core Systems apply to all institutions universally, certain domains face unique risks, ethical challenges, and operational demands that necessitate specialized systems.
This standard identifies which extended factors are required for each domain and provides the methodology for defining new extended factors as domains evolve or emerge.
0.2 Relationship to the 25 Core Institutional Systems
The 25 Core Institutional Systems form the universal baseline for all institutions. Domain Extended Factors are additions to this baseline — they do not replace or modify the core systems.
| 25 Core Systems | Domain Extended Factors | |
|---|---|---|
| Applicability | All institutions, all domains | Specific domains only |
| Nature | Universal baseline | Domain-specific additions |
| Mandatory | Yes, for all institutions | Yes, for institutions in that domain |
| Example | Whistleblower Protection | Anti-Doping System (Sports) |
| Example | Records Management | Patient Safety System (Healthcare) |
| Example | Board Oversight | Academic Freedom Protection (Education) |
0.3 How Extended Factors Are Determined
A domain requires an extended factor when:
- The domain faces unique ethical risks not adequately addressed by the 25 Core Systems.
- The domain has specialized functions that require dedicated systems.
- The domain serves vulnerable populations requiring additional protection.
- The domain operates under specific regulatory or professional frameworks that mandate additional systems.
- The domain involves high-stakes consequences where failure has catastrophic impact.
0.4 Relationship to the Seven‑Layer Architecture
This standard sits within Layer 4 (Structure) as the institutional counterpart to domain-specific role modules:
- RSS 37004‑A.3 (Domain-Specific Roles) defines how individual factors are contextualized for specific domains.
- This Standard (B.3) defines how institutional systems are extended for specific domains.
- RSS 37004‑B.4.x (Domain Modules) integrates both roles and extended factors into comprehensive domain definitions.
1. Scope
This standard applies to:
- All institutions operating within specific domains that require extended systems.
- The identification, definition, and documentation of domain-specific extended factors.
- The assessment of whether a domain requires extended factors beyond the 25 Core Systems.
- The development of domain modules (B.4.x) that incorporate extended factors.
- The expansion of the RSS framework to new or emerging domains with unique system requirements.
2. Normative References
The following standards are indispensable for the application of this document:
- RSS 37001:2026 — Fundamentals Standard
- RSS 37002:2026 — Foundation Standard
- RSS 37003:2026 — Alignment Standard
- RSS 37004:2026 — Structure Standard
- RSS 37004‑B.1:2026 — Domain Framework (the methodology for domain definition)
- RSS 37004‑B.2:2026 — Domain Catalog (the list of recognized domains)
- RSS 37004‑B.4.x — Domain Modules (comprehensive domain definitions)
3. Terms and Definitions
For the purposes of this document, the following terms apply:
3.1 Domain Extended Factor — An institutional system or structure required only in specific domains, beyond the 25 Core Institutional Systems.
3.2 Core Institutional System — One of the 25 foundational systems that every righteous institution must possess, regardless of domain.
3.3 Extended Factor Justification — The documented rationale for why a specific domain requires a particular extended factor.
3.4 Factor Dependency — A relationship where one extended factor requires the presence or implementation of another factor.
3.5 Extended Factor Module — A self-contained definition of an extended factor, including its purpose, components, and conformance requirements.
4. Structure of This Standard
This standard contains three normative components:
- RSS 37004‑B.3.1 — Extended Factors Catalog
- RSS 37004‑B.3.2 — Domain-Extended Factor Matrix
- RSS 37004‑B.3.3 — Methodology for Defining New Extended Factors
5. RSS 37004‑B.3.1 — Extended Factors Catalog
This section provides the complete catalog of all recognized Domain Extended Factors, organized by the domain categories defined in B.2.
5.1 Category PS — Public Service
| Domain | Extended Factor | Description | Justification |
|---|---|---|---|
| Law Enforcement | Use-of-Force Review System | Independent review of all uses of force, with transparent reporting and accountability. | High-stakes authority over life/liberty; risk of excessive force. |
| Law Enforcement | Body-Worn Camera System | Mandatory recording of all public interactions with clear retention and disclosure policies. | Evidence integrity; public trust; accountability. |
| Judiciary | Judicial Conduct Oversight | Independent body with authority to investigate and discipline judicial misconduct. | Judicial independence requires robust self-regulation. |
| Judiciary | Sentencing Review System | Structured process for reviewing and adjusting sentences for fairness and consistency. | Risk of bias; need for consistency. |
| Military | Rules of Engagement Compliance System | Systematic review of all operations against rules of engagement and international law. | High-stakes combat decisions; risk of violations. |
| Military | Moral Injury Support System | Confidential support and counseling for service members experiencing moral injury. | Unique psychological risks of combat. |
| Government | Public Integrity System | Dedicated body for preventing and investigating corruption, conflicts of interest, and ethical violations. | Public trust; stewardship of tax resources. |
| Government | Citizen Grievance System | Accessible, transparent, and accountable system for citizens to report grievances. | Public accountability; service improvement. |
5.2 Category HW — Health & Welfare
| Domain | Extended Factor | Description | Justification |
|---|---|---|---|
| Healthcare | Patient Safety System | Comprehensive system for reporting, investigating, and preventing medical errors and adverse events. | Life-and-death stakes; patient vulnerability. |
| Healthcare | Clinical Ethics Committee | Multi-disciplinary body providing ethical guidance on complex medical cases. | Unique ethical dilemmas (end-of-life, resource allocation). |
| Healthcare | Medical Licensing & Credentialing | Rigorous system for verifying qualifications, competence, and ongoing professional development. | Patient safety; professional standards. |
| Insurance | Claims Fairness Review | Independent review of claims decisions to ensure fair and timely resolution. | Power imbalance between insurers and claimants. |
| Insurance | Actuarial Ethics System | Framework ensuring actuarial practices avoid discrimination and reflect true risk. | Risk of discrimination in pricing; public trust. |
| Nonprofit | Donor Stewardship & Transparency | System ensuring donor funds are used as intended with full transparency. | Donor trust; mission fidelity. |
| Nonprofit | Beneficiary Protection System | Safeguards ensuring vulnerable beneficiaries are not exploited or harmed. | Vulnerable populations; power imbalance. |
5.3 Category ED — Education
| Domain | Extended Factor | Description | Justification |
|---|---|---|---|
| Education | Academic Freedom Protection | System ensuring faculty and students can pursue truth without fear of retaliation. | Core to educational mission; risk of suppression. |
| Education | Student Protection System | Safeguards against abuse, harassment, and discrimination of students. | Vulnerable minors/young adults; power imbalance. |
| Education | Curriculum Integrity System | Process ensuring curriculum reflects truth, avoids indoctrination, and respects diverse perspectives. | Educational mission; public trust. |
| Education | Research Integrity System | System ensuring honesty, ethics, and transparency in academic research. | Truth pursuit; public trust; funding accountability. |
5.4 Category CM — Commerce
| Domain | Extended Factor | Description | Justification |
|---|---|---|---|
| Finance | Anti-Money Laundering System | Comprehensive system for detecting, reporting, and preventing money laundering and terrorist financing. | Regulatory requirement; systemic risk. |
| Finance | Consumer Protection System | Safeguards ensuring financial products are fairly marketed and consumers are not exploited. | Power imbalance; complex products; vulnerable consumers. |
| Finance | Market Integrity System | System ensuring fair, transparent, and orderly financial markets. | Economic stability; public trust. |
| Corporate | Shareholder Democracy System | Structure ensuring meaningful shareholder participation in governance decisions. | Corporate accountability; investor rights. |
| Corporate | Supply Chain Ethics System | System ensuring ethical practices throughout the supply chain (labor, environmental, corruption). | Offshoring risk; reputational risk. |
| Corporate | Anti-Bribery & Corruption System | Comprehensive system preventing bribery and corruption in all business dealings. | Global business risk; legal compliance. |
| Retail | Consumer Safety System | System ensuring all products meet safety standards and recalls are handled transparently. | Consumer safety; product liability. |
| Retail | Fair Pricing & Advertising System | System ensuring pricing and advertising are truthful, fair, and non-deceptive. | Consumer trust; fair competition. |
5.5 Category IN — Infrastructure
| Domain | Extended Factor | Description | Justification |
|---|---|---|---|
| Transportation | Safety Management System | Comprehensive system for identifying, reporting, and mitigating safety risks across all transportation modes. | Public safety; catastrophic risk. |
| Transportation | Incident Investigation System | Independent investigation of all serious incidents with transparent reporting. | Learning from failure; public trust. |
| Construction | Site Safety System | Comprehensive safety system for construction sites, including training, monitoring, and reporting. | High-risk work environments; worker safety. |
| Construction | Building Integrity System | System ensuring all structures meet safety, quality, and building code standards. | Public safety; structural failure prevention. |
| Energy | Grid Reliability System | System ensuring continuous, stable, and secure energy delivery. | Critical infrastructure; public welfare. |
| Energy | Environmental Compliance System | System ensuring all operations comply with environmental regulations and minimize impact. | Environmental risk; regulatory compliance. |
5.6 Category IF — Information
| Domain | Extended Factor | Description | Justification |
|---|---|---|---|
| Media | Editorial Independence System | System ensuring editorial decisions are free from commercial, political, or other undue influence. | Public trust; truth pursuit. |
| Media | Corrections & Retractions System | Structured process for issuing timely, transparent corrections and retractions. | Truth accountability; public trust. |
| Media | Source Protection System | System protecting confidential sources while maintaining legal and ethical obligations. | Freedom of press; truth pursuit. |
| Technology | Algorithmic Accountability System | System ensuring algorithms are free from bias, transparent, and accountable. | Discriminatory impact; societal influence. |
| Technology | Data Privacy & Security System | Comprehensive system protecting user data from breaches, misuse, and unauthorized access. | Data sensitivity; privacy rights. |
| Technology | Platform Content Governance System | Transparent system for content moderation, appeals, and community guidelines. | Content influence; free expression; harm prevention. |
5.7 Category PP — Primary Production
| Domain | Extended Factor | Description | Justification |
|---|---|---|---|
| Agriculture | Food Safety System | Comprehensive system ensuring food products are safe, traceable, and free from contamination. | Public health; global supply chains. |
| Agriculture | Ethical Animal Treatment System | System ensuring humane treatment of animals in food production. | Ethical obligation; consumer values. |
| Agriculture | Environmental Impact System | System monitoring and minimizing environmental impact of agricultural operations. | Environmental stewardship. |
| Environment | Impact Assessment System | Rigorous assessment of all projects and operations with environmental reporting and mitigation. | Environmental protection; public trust. |
| Environment | Restoration Accountability System | System ensuring environmental restoration commitments are met and verified. | Long-term environmental integrity. |
| Manufacturing | Product Safety System | System ensuring all manufactured products meet safety and quality standards. | Consumer safety; liability. |
| Manufacturing | Worker Safety System | Comprehensive worker safety system addressing industrial hazards and occupational health. | High-risk industrial work; worker dignity. |
5.8 Category LC — Leisure & Culture
| Domain | Extended Factor | Description | Justification |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sports | Anti-Doping System | Independent, rigorous testing and enforcement system for banned substances. | Fair competition; athlete health. |
| Sports | Athlete Welfare Protection | System ensuring athlete safety, fair treatment, and protection from exploitation and abuse. | Vulnerable athletes; power imbalance. |
| Sports | Competition Integrity System | System preventing match-fixing, corruption, and other threats to sporting integrity. | Public trust; fair competition. |
| Hospitality | Guest Safety System | Comprehensive system ensuring guest safety, security, and protection. | Guest vulnerability; service liability. |
| Hospitality | Cultural Sensitivity System | System ensuring respect for diverse cultures and avoidance of offensive practices. | Global clientele; reputational risk. |
| Arts & Culture (Emerging) | Creative Integrity System | System protecting artistic freedom and preventing censorship or undue influence. | Core to creative mission. |
| Arts & Culture (Emerging) | Cultural Heritage Protection | System preserving and respecting cultural heritage and indigenous knowledge. | Cultural sensitivity; historical responsibility. |
6. RSS 37004‑B.3.2 — Domain-Extended Factor Matrix
This section provides a comprehensive matrix showing which extended factors apply to which domains.
6.1 Extended Factors by Domain Category
| Extended Factor | PS | HW | ED | CM | IN | IF | PP | LC |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Use-of-Force Review | ✅ | |||||||
| Body-Worn Camera System | ✅ | |||||||
| Judicial Conduct Oversight | ✅ | |||||||
| Rules of Engagement Compliance | ✅ | |||||||
| Moral Injury Support | ✅ | |||||||
| Public Integrity System | ✅ | |||||||
| Patient Safety System | ✅ | |||||||
| Clinical Ethics Committee | ✅ | |||||||
| Claims Fairness Review | ✅ | |||||||
| Donor Stewardship | ✅ | |||||||
| Academic Freedom Protection | ✅ | |||||||
| Student Protection System | ✅ | |||||||
| Anti-Money Laundering | ✅ | |||||||
| Consumer Protection | ✅ | |||||||
| Supply Chain Ethics | ✅ | |||||||
| Safety Management | ✅ | |||||||
| Grid Reliability | ✅ | |||||||
| Editorial Independence | ✅ | |||||||
| Algorithmic Accountability | ✅ | |||||||
| Data Privacy & Security | ✅ | |||||||
| Food Safety | ✅ | |||||||
| Environmental Impact | ✅ | |||||||
| Anti-Doping System | ✅ | |||||||
| Athlete Welfare Protection | ✅ | |||||||
| Guest Safety System | ✅ |
7. RSS 37004‑B.3.3 — Methodology for Defining New Extended Factors
This section defines the process for identifying, defining, and adding new Domain Extended Factors.
7.1 When to Define a New Extended Factor
A new extended factor shall be defined when:
| Condition | Description |
|---|---|
| Unique Risk | The domain faces a risk not adequately addressed by the 25 Core Systems. |
| Regulatory Mandate | Laws or regulations require specific systems not covered by core systems. |
| Professional Standard | Professional ethics codes require specific systems. |
| Stakeholder Expectation | Stakeholders (public, customers, beneficiaries) reasonably expect additional safeguards. |
| Emerging Domain | A new domain emerges with unique characteristics not covered by existing factors. |
7.2 Extended Factor Definition Requirements
Every new extended factor shall be defined with:
| Element | Description |
|---|---|
| Factor Name | Clear, descriptive name. |
| Domain Applicability | Which domain(s) require this factor. |
| Purpose | Why this factor is needed. |
| Components | The specific systems, processes, and structures required. |
| Justification | Documented rationale for the factor. |
| Relationship to Core Systems | How this factor interacts with the 25 Core Systems. |
| Conformance Criteria | How compliance is measured. |
7.3 Extended Factor Approval Process
| Step | Action | Responsible Party |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Identify need for new extended factor | Domain stakeholders |
| 2 | Draft factor definition | Domain working group |
| 3 | Review for necessity and validity | RSS Standards Committee |
| 4 | Consult with domain experts | Domain advisory group |
| 5 | Approve factor | RSS Standards Committee |
| 6 | Update B.3 catalog | RSS Standards Committee |
| 7 | Update affected domain modules (B.4.x) | Domain working group |
7.4 Extended Factor Dependency Considerations
When defining a new extended factor, dependencies between factors shall be identified:
| Dependency Type | Description | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Prerequisite | One factor must exist before another can function. | Anti-Doping System requires an independent testing authority. |
| Supplementary | Factors that work together to address a single risk. | Editorial Independence + Corrections & Retractions = Media Integrity. |
| Mutually Reinforcing | Factors that strengthen each other. | Data Privacy & Security + Algorithmic Accountability = Trustworthy Technology. |
8. Conformance Requirements
To conform to RSS 37004‑B.3, an institution shall:
- Identify all extended factors applicable to its domain(s) from the catalog in Section 5.
- Implement each applicable extended factor according to its definition.
- Document how each extended factor is implemented and maintained.
- Ensure extended factors integrate with the 25 Core Institutional Systems.
- Regularly review extended factors for relevance and effectiveness.
- Submit new extended factor proposals through the defined process (Section 7).
9. Relationship to Other Layers and Standards
- RSS 37004‑B.1 (Domain Framework) provides the methodology for domain definition and system mapping.
- RSS 37004‑B.2 (Domain Catalog) lists all recognized domains that may require extended factors.
- RSS 37004‑B.4.x (Domain Modules) integrates extended factors into comprehensive domain definitions.
- RSS 37004‑A.3 (Domain-Specific Role Modules) defines the roles that operate within domains.
- Layer 5 (Process) will define operational processes for extended factors.
- Layer 6 (Assurance) will verify extended factor implementation.
- Layer 7 (Restoration) will address extended factor failures.
End of RSS 37004‑B.3:2026