Governance
GOOD GOVERNANCE
This is an approach to government that is committed to creating a system, founded in justice and peace, that protects individuals’ human rights and civil liberties. Governance requires that all groups, particularly those most vulnerable, have direct or representative access to the systems of government.
GOVERNANCE
This is the process of decision-making and it involves the process by which decisions are carried out or not carried out. Governance may be good or bad, as this will depend on what is happening in a country. It involves the establishment of policies and continuous monitoring of their proper implementation by the members of the governing body of an organisation/country.
What factors are included in good governance? Just think for a while. What do you think?
Now look on these attributes of good governance.
In its own right, good governance is important as a determinant of the sustainability and strength of democracies. The concept of good governance has been explained by the work of the Commission on Human Rights. The commission identified the following key attributes of good governance: Transparency
Responsibility
Accountability
Participation
Responsiveness (to the needs of the people)
These attributes link good governance to an enabling environment conducive to the enjoyment of human rights and “prompting growth and sustainable human development”. Most writers on this topic see good governance as being made up of eight major characteristics. It should be participatory, consensus-oriented, accountable, transparent, responsive, effective and efficient,
equitable and inclusive, and follows the rule of law.
It assures that corruption is minimised in a country, and, in many cases, prevented.
The views of minorities are taken into account, as victimisation is of great concern.
The voices of the most vulnerable in society are heard in decision-making.
It is also encourages sustainability, as it is reactive to the current and potential needs of the society.
It sees respect for human rights as a very important aspect of society.
PARTICIPATION
Citizens’ opportunity to participate in their government is required for there to be good governance. This participation may be direct, through institutions or the duly elected representatives. Participation means that citizens are kept informed and given a say in the direction of the country. Citizens must also be able to enjoy freedom of association and expression, and live in an organised and civil society.
RULE OF LAW/INDEPENDENCE OF THE JUDICIARY
Every society dreams, hopes for, welcomes a just and unswerving justice system, which is necessary for good governance to be enforced impartially. It will require the autonomy to exercise full protection of human rights and the unbiased enforcement of the laws by an independent judiciary and, moreso, an impartial and ethical police force.
TRANSPARENCY
Transparency gives the impression that decisions are being taken and enforced in a manner that follows the rules and regulations in a country, and does not do so discriminately. Information should be made available and accessible to those who will be affected by such decisions. When a government is enforcing ideas, there must be the use of a medium that is understood and accessible to all citizens in the country.
RESPONSIVENESS TO THE NEEDS OF THE CITIZENS
Citizens should have confidence that development will enhance their quality of life, that processes will be taken care of as they occur, and that their needs are viewed as important and will be catered to in an opportune way. In a democratic country, free and fair election is a sure way of ensuring that the wishes of citizens are met; if needs are not met continuously, then the government may not win the next election.
CONSENSUS-ORIENTED/ CONSULTATION WITH CITIZENS
Cooperation is necessary in order to entertain the different interests in society in order to attain consensus in society. Consensus is necessary to ascertain the best interest of a country and how best it can be achieved.
EQUITY AND INCLUSIVENESS/ACCESS TO INFORMATION
The well-being of a society depends greatly on ensuring that all citizens feel that they have a say in decisions taken in their country and do not in any way, at any time, feel excluded from these decisions. Access to information will allow for greater public participation in government and, thereby, strengthens democracy in any country.
EFFECTIVENESS AND EFFICIENCY
Good governance means efficiency and good sense in
“Develop a passion for learning. If you do, you will never cease to grow.” – Anthony J. D’Angelo
order to produce results that meet the needs of citizens, while making the greatest use of resources at their disposal. The sustainable use of natural resources is necessary, as is the protection of the environment, together with the best possible use of the human resources.
ACCOUNTABILITY
Accountability is the key requirement in a country to produce good governance. This takes in all sectors of a country, governmental institutions and the private sector. All civil organisations must be accountable to the public and to their stakeholders. Accountability in a country must use transparency as a rule of law.
ACTIVITIES
1. Is there a difference between governance and good governance?
2. State three reasons why good governance is necessary in any society/country.
3. Suggest and explain three practical ways in which good governance may be carried out in a country.
4. How can you as a citizen promote good governance in your community?
SOURCES
1. What is Good Governance? https://www.unescap.org/sites/default/files/
good-governance.pdf... United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific
2. Promoting Good Governance: https://www.gdrc.org/u-gov/doc-oecd_ggov.html
Maureen Campbell teaches at St Hugh’s High School. Send comments to kerryann.hepburn@gleanerjm.com.