WHAT IS GOVERNANCE?

Governance. It is an act, a power, and a process of governing. These words make up the whole essence of governance.

It is an act of governing simply because there be action to be taken as you govern an institution, market, or even a country. These actions maybe in the form of making decision, forming policies, or even executing the rules and regulations of the institution. A governance is so passive and lifeless if it not doing and making actions it supposedly doing. In fact, if it governing without action, then it impedes the development of the institution. A governance to be effective needs to have the necessary it should take, not only to deliver the significant services to the people, but also do actions to make the life of the people better.

Governance also entails power. Power that covers many facets of the institution, be it legal, social, demographic, financial, and planning aspects. Definitely, it has power to execute all its policies, and manage the organization within the scope of its rules and limitations. Governance talks about influence too. As one governs, good linkages and partnerships must be built not only within the organization but especially outside. This involves the community, the private sectors, and the political leaders. Without putting the core values of the organization at risk, it extends its power and influence to the stakeholders it needs. A good governance must not only transfer or deliver its services to people, but most importantly it must give and leave an impact to the lives of people it covers, and this is power and influence.

Governance also involves process. The process of managing people with cohesive policies that is highly accepted and shared by all. This involves scientifical and strategical procedures in making right decision for a given area of responsibility. It also covers the process of shifting the situation of the organization to a better one. Making the organization globally competitive is one of the key element to consider in the process. Governance, in its theoretical concept, refers to the actions and processes by which stable practices and organizations arise and persist.

In all, one challenge remains in our respective school context, and that is to have a good governance. Along with this, there are issues need to always bear in mind and resolve: 1. The relationship with political leaders. 2. Treatment of relatives by affinity or consanguinity, 3. Promotion of personnel and designation to key positions, 4. Popularity versus objectivity, 5. Keeping you nose clean and others’, and 6. Treatment of wrongdoers. To be a good manager and deliver good governance may not that be easy, but it is highly probable to achieve. As long as we keep in mind the good of the majority, if not all, and consider the right over wrong practices, one can achieve good governance.

--oOo— The author is Teacher III at Angeles City Senior High School