The Meaning of Governance
Governance is not a new term; people often used this in trying to describe the actions of the government. There are many definitions of governance. Some define governance as “the process of decision-making and the process by which decisions are implemented” (Sheng, UNESCAP). Fukuyama (2013) defines governance as “a government’s ability to make and enforce rules and to deliver services, regardless of whether that government is democratic or not.” In the early Indian history, back to at least 400 B. C., governance includes emphasizing justice, ethics, and anti-autocratic tendencies. Moreover, World Bank (2007) defines governance as “the manner in which public officials and institution acquire and exercise the authority to shape public policy and provide public goods and service.” These different authors agree that governance is concerned with making or creating laws, decisions, policies and its implementation. Government officials, thus, are given important roles to think and do something for everybody in the society, actions that would lead to development. Decisions and actions that governments do should not only dwell on what people need at the moment, but what they will need in the future. Decisions should not be influence by interest of few, values and preference, it should go against particular interest, but should be viewed as necessary in order to protect the national interest, but should be viewed as necessary in order to protect the national interest (Hyden, Court and Measel, 2003). Political will is necessary for the expected change for everybody will happen. This statement means that, the politicians will push or do what he believes is right despite of disagreements with other sectors.
Eight Characteristics of Good Governance
By Yap Kioe Sheng of Poverty Reduction Section UNESCAP
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 representative democracy does not necessarily mean that concerns of the most vulnerable in the society would be taken into consideration in decision-making. Participation needs to be informed and organized. This means freedom of association and expression on 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 minorities. Impartial enforcement of laws requires an independent judiciary and an 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 time frame.
Consensus-Oriented
There are several actors and as many viewpoints in a given society. Good governance requires mediation of the different interests in the society to reach broad consensus on what is in the best interest of the whole community and how can this be achieved. It also requires a broad and long –term perspective on what is needed for a sustainable human development and how to achieve the goals of such development. This can only result from understanding of the historical, cultural and social context of a given society or community.
Equity and Inclusiveness
A society’s well-being depends on ensuring that all its member fell 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, to 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 sectors 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.