Governance
Since governance is the process of decision-making and the process by which decisions are
implemented, an analysis of governance focuses on the formal and informal actors involved in decision-
making and implementing the decisions made and the formal and informal structures that have been set
in place to arrive at and implement the decision.
Government is one of the actors in governance. Other actors involved in governance vary depending on
the level of government that is under discussion. In rural areas, for example, other actors may include
influential land lords, associations of peasant farmers, cooperatives, NGOs, research institutes, religious
leaders, finance institutions political parties, the military etc. The situation in urban areas is much more
complex. At the national level, in addition to the above actors, media, lobbyists, international donors,
multi-national corporations, etc. may play a role in decision-making or in influencing the decision-
making process.
All actors other than government and the military are grouped together as part of the "civil society." In
some countries in addition to the civil society, organized crime syndicates also influence decision-
making, particularly in urban areas and at the national level.
Similarly formal government structures are one means by which decisions are arrived at and
implemented. At the national level, informal decision-making structures, such as "kitchen cabinets" or
informal advisors may exist. In urban areas, organized crime syndicates such as the "land Mafia" may
influence decision-making. In some rural areas locally powerful families may make or influence decision-
making. Such, informal decision-making is often the result of corrupt practices or leads to corrupt
practices.
Good Governance
Good governance has 8 major characteristics. It is participatory, consensus oriented, accountable,
transparent, responsive, effective and efficient, equitable and inclusive and follows the rule of law. It
assures that corruption is minimized, the views of minorities are taken into account and that the voices
of the most vulnerable in society are heard in decision-making. It is also responsive to the present and
future needs of society.
Participation
Participation by both men and women is a key cornerstone of good governance. Participation could be
either direct or through legitimate intermediate institutions or representatives. It is important to point
out that representative democracy does not necessarily mean that the concerns of the most vulnerable
in society would be taken into consideration in decision making. Participation needs to be informed and
organized. This means freedom of association and expression on the one hand and an organized civil
society on the other hand.
Rule of law
Good governance requires fair legal frameworks that are enforced impartially. It also requires full
protection of human rights, particularly those of minorities. Impartial enforcement of laws requires an
independent judiciary and an impartial and incorruptible police force.
Transparency
Transparency means that decisions taken and their enforcement are done in a manner that follows rules
and regulations. It also means that information is freely available and directly accessible to those who
will be affected by such decisions and their enforcement. It also means that enough information is
provided and that it is provided in easily understandable forms and media.
Responsiveness
Good governance requires that institutions and processes try to serve all stakeholders within a
reasonable timeframe.
Consensus oriented
There are several actors and as many view points in a given society. Good governance requires
mediation of the different interests in society to reach a broad consensus in society on what is in the
best interest of the whole community and how this can be achieved. It also requires a broad and long-
term perspective on what is needed for sustainable human development and how to achieve the goals of
such development. This can only result from an understanding of the historical, cultural and social
contexts of a given society or community.
Equity and inclusiveness
A society’s well being depends on ensuring that all its members feel that they have a stake in it and do
not feel excluded from the mainstream of society. This requires all groups, but particularly the most
vulnerable, have opportunities to improve or maintain their well being.
Effectiveness and efficiency
Good governance means that processes and institutions produce results that meet the needs of society
while making the best use of resources at their disposal. The concept of efficiency in the context of good
governance also covers the sustainable use of natural resources and the protection of the environment.
Accountability
Accountability is a key requirement of good governance. Not only governmental institutions but also the
private sector and civil society organizations must be accountable to the public and to their institutional
stakeholders. Who is accountable to whom varies depending on whether decisions or actions taken are
internal or external to an organization or institution. In general an organization or an institution is
accountable to those who will be affected by its decisions or actions. Accountability cannot be enforced
without transparency and the rule of law.
CONCLUSION
From the above discussion it should be clear that good governance is an ideal which is difficult to
achieve in its totality. Very few countries and societies have come close to achieving good governance in
its totality. However, to ensure sustainable human development, actions must be taken to work towards
this ideal with the aim of making it a reality.
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