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Good Governance

This document discusses characteristics of good and bad governance. It begins by defining good governance as the open and responsible management of public resources which establishes accountability and ensures resources are used to acknowledge basic rights. Good governance is important for human development and reducing poverty. The principles of good governance include free and fair elections, an impartial judiciary, civil liberties, eliminating corruption, investing in individuals, legitimacy and voice, accountability, and fairness. The document then examines the implications of good versus bad governance and how good governance relates to human rights and development through democratic institutions, equitable services, legal supremacy, and anti-corruption efforts. It outlines principles of good governance such as democratization, accountability, rule of law, transparency, meritocracy

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0% found this document useful (0 votes)
85 views64 pages

Good Governance

This document discusses characteristics of good and bad governance. It begins by defining good governance as the open and responsible management of public resources which establishes accountability and ensures resources are used to acknowledge basic rights. Good governance is important for human development and reducing poverty. The principles of good governance include free and fair elections, an impartial judiciary, civil liberties, eliminating corruption, investing in individuals, legitimacy and voice, accountability, and fairness. The document then examines the implications of good versus bad governance and how good governance relates to human rights and development through democratic institutions, equitable services, legal supremacy, and anti-corruption efforts. It outlines principles of good governance such as democratization, accountability, rule of law, transparency, meritocracy

Uploaded by

Maryam Asad
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Characteristics of a good

governance and bad governance

By

*Student Name*
Declaration:

I hereby affirm that the work contained in this thesis is entirely original to me,

was completed after I registered for the degree, and has never been a part of

another thesis or dissertation that I have submitted to this or another institution in

hopes of earning a degree, diploma, or other credential. I assume responsibility

for carrying out the processes because I have studied the university's most recent

research ethical standards. In doing this study, I have made an effort to account

for any potential dangers. I have also received the necessary ethical and/or safety

approvals, accepted my responsibilities, and respected the rights of the

participants.
DEDICATED TO

I write my dissertation as a tribute to my numerous friends and family. A

special sense of thanks to my devoted parents, whose words of support and push

for persistence still reverberate in my ears. I also thank all of my numerous

friends who have helped me during this process by dedicating this dissertation to

them. I will always be grateful for everything they did to support my professional

growth and for the several hours of proofreading. I dedicate this work to my

professors, to whom I extend a particular thank you.


4

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

I write my dissertation as a tribute to my numerous friends and family. A

special sense of thanks to my devoted parents, whose words of support and push

for persistence still reverberate in my ears. I also thank all of my numerous

friends who have helped me during this process by dedicating this dissertation to

them. I will always be grateful for everything they did to support my professional

growth and for the several hours of proofreading. I dedicate this work to my

professors, to whom I extend a particular thank you.


5

Abstract
Since it creates a well-functioning public sector that adheres to the criteria of

openness, involvement, ownership, and responsibility to civilians, good

governance is essential for human development and the eradication of poverty. It

establishes the open and responsible management of public resources, which

reduces corruption and ensures that public resources are used in acknowledgment

of the basic rights of all people. Understanding civil, cultural, economic, social,

and political rights is made easier by good administration, which also holds

officials accountable. As a result, human growth and effective governance are

related. The definition of good governance is provided in this thesis.

Keywords: Good governance; Accountability; Rule of law; Transparency;

Performance.
6

Contents

Abstract......................................................................................................................................................5
Chapter 1: Introduction to the Study.......................................................................................................8
Statement of Problems:.........................................................................................................................9
Thesis Statement:...................................................................................................................................9
Aim and Objectives...............................................................................................................................9
Research Questions..............................................................................................................................10
Literature Review................................................................................................................................10
Theoretical evolution: "GOVERNANCE"........................................................................................11
Symptoms of Bad Governance............................................................................................................12
Significance of study............................................................................................................................13
Research model:...................................................................................................................................14
Chapter 2: Implication of Good Governance........................................................................................14
Implications of good and bad government:.......................................................................................15
Institutions are important:..............................................................................................................15
Social Differences Matter:...............................................................................................................16
The value of political leadership at the highest levels...................................................................16
The Principles of Responsible Governance........................................................................................17
1. Elections that are both free and fair.......................................................................................18
2. An impartial judiciary and adherence to the rule of law......................................................19
3. Liberties of Expression and the Press.....................................................................................20
4. The Elimination of Corruption...............................................................................................20
5. Investment in the Individuals..................................................................................................21
6. Legitimacy & Voice.................................................................................................................21
7. The Direction............................................................................................................................22
8. A Concentration on Performance...........................................................................................22
9. Accountability..........................................................................................................................23
10. Fairness.................................................................................................................................24
7

Characteristics of Good Governance.................................................................................................24


Relationship of Good Governance with Human Rights and Development.....................................26
Institutions of democratic government..........................................................................................26
The distribution of services.............................................................................................................27
Legal supremacy..............................................................................................................................27
Anti-Corruption...............................................................................................................................27
Good Governance: A Conceptual Perspective...................................................................................28
Principles of Good Governance..........................................................................................................31
Democratization and Civil Society.................................................................................................31
Accountability..................................................................................................................................32
Rule of Law......................................................................................................................................33
Transparency...................................................................................................................................34
Meritocracy; Absence of Corruption.............................................................................................35
Consensus Oriented.........................................................................................................................35
Effectiveness and Efficiency............................................................................................................36
Equity and Inclusiveness.................................................................................................................36
Why is Good Governance Important?...............................................................................................36
Chapter 3: Creating the conditions for Good Governance...................................................................39
Institutions and developmental stages................................................................................................39
The standard of government...............................................................................................................40
Highly Desirable Goals and Trade-Offs.............................................................................................41
Methods for achieving effective government.....................................................................................45
Chapter 4: Policies Presentation and communication..........................................................................47
Communication and Administrative Structures...............................................................................47
Communication from the Government..............................................................................................48
Communication Regarding Governance............................................................................................49
Governance for development and social change...............................................................................52
The link between Communication and Governance:........................................................................52
Chapter 5: Conclusion and Recommendation:.....................................................................................54
A few Recommendations:....................................................................................................................55
Verdict:.................................................................................................................................................57
References:...............................................................................................................................................59
8

Chapter 1: Introduction to the Study


Government is nothing new; it has been there since the beginning of human

society. Within the framework of restoring democratic institutions, the term "good

governance" has acquired prominence as a means of guaranteeing participatory

democracy, human development, and the realization of globalization's aims.

Business expansion and strong leadership were intertwined in the first years

following World War Two.

To evaluate how well countries in the developing world were doing economically,

aid organizations frequently used this phrase. The fact that economic factors alone

are not the primary causes of human deprivation is now generally acknowledged.

Poor governance is based in social and political concerns as well.

Statement of Problems:

The lack of effective leadership has had a devastating impact on the country's

ability to make socioeconomic and political progress.

Thesis Statement:

The intentional and purposeful administration of regime structures for developing

the public sphere is known as governance. From a social, political, or economic

standpoint, one might examine governance. In fact, effective governance is

essential to the process of growth.

Aim and Objectives

In order to help public policy makers, government officials, as well as governance

practitioners construct present and future government strategic policy and good
9

governance frameworks, the goal of this project is to give practical inputs for

those individuals. This is communicated to the audience via;

 An analysis of the degree to which various levels of government officials within

regional governments recognize and comprehend the core principles of good

governance;

 An investigation of the elements that make it difficult to practice effective

governance;

 A series of actionable suggestions addressing the primary impediments that stand

in the way of good governance, with the goal of increasing the degree to which it

is put into practice in regional government

Research Questions

1. What exactly does it mean when we talk about a crisis in governance?

2. How exactly has a country been impacted as a result of poor administration in the

modern era?

3. What are the characteristics of good Governance?

Literature Review

The idea of governance predates the development of human civilization. It is now

often used to define the decision-making and action-taking processes in a variety

of settings.

It is a well-known and widely accepted reality that poor governance often leads to

instances of corruption. A society's level of life is one of the things that it decides,

as well as the arrangements that are made to make choices and put those
10

judgments into action, arbitrate or reconcile disagreements, and exercise lawful

rights and duties. It encompasses the procedures, frameworks, methodologies, and

organizations that are responsible for imposing constraints and providing

incentives. The word "governance" refers to any and all methods that may be used

to rule a nation (Ahmed, 2012). Kaufmann, an economist working for the World

Bank, provided the following definition of governance: "the traditions and

structures through which power is exercised in a society" (Kaufmann, 2003).

Theoretical evolution: "GOVERNANCE"

Governance is defined by Kaufmann, Kraay, and Mastruzzi (2004, p. 3) as the

customs and institutions that determine how power is exercised in a nation. These

conceptions of governance, however, are overly general and omit to differentiate

between different institutional specifics and fundamental ideas.

It encompasses all factors influencing choices made in the public realm, including

institutions, processes, participants and how they interact, rules, control,

enforcement, and accountability methods, incentives, and more. Longo (2008, p.

192) goes on to say that the relational aspect of the public realm in addressing

complex emergent concerns, which call for growing coordination and cooperation

on the side of government, characterizes governance. 

Because of this, even if good governance is at its foundation, the two ideas need

to be separated. Each has a unique approach to politics and the creation of

policies. Because it is conterminous with that of the contemporary state,

governance (the so-called public sphere) has a far greater scope than government

(the so-called state sphere)


11

In conclusion, government operates within a system of governance that is

becoming more interconnected (Kettl, 1995, pp. 27, 39). However, for the

convenience of discussion, this study will equate good and poor governance with

good and terrible government.

Symptoms of Bad Governance

Nepotism, fraud, corruption, and the inappropriate use of national resources are

only some of the problems that may arise when decisions are not carried out in an

efficient manner and the voice of the people is not heard. It leads to a decline in

national resources as well as an increase in the level of poverty. If nothing is done

to stop it, it will lead to the destruction of the country. Poor leadership is at the

heart of the problems that have befallen many countries. (Rehman, 2011). Some

of the more obvious signs of poor administration are as follows, amongst others:

1. Inability to maintain clear boundaries between public and private resources,

which opens the door for public assets to be appropriated for private benefit.

2. Laws, processes, and certification requirements that are disproportionately strict,

so impeding market activity and encouraging rent-seeking.

3. Priorities that are in direct opposition to development and are the root cause of

resource misuse.

4. Making decisions that are difficult, unbending, and opaque.

Depending on the form of government, there may be a variety of other players

involved in the governing process. For instance, in more rural areas of a state,

such players may include influential landowners, organizations of farmers,

cooperatives, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), religious leaders,


12

institutions that invest in or fund political parties, and the armed forces. The

illness is more difficult to manage in cities and other metropolitan regions. The

term "civil society" refers to all players in a society other than the government and

the armed forces. In many nations, the decision-making process is also influenced

by organized crime syndicates in addition to civil society, particularly in

metropolitan regions and at the national level. In metropolitan regions, organized

criminal syndicates like the "land mafia" have the potential to exert some kind of

influence over the decision-making process. There are pockets of rural America

where prominent local families have a tremendous amount of influence. These

kinds of unofficial methods of decision-making always lead to unscrupulous

behaviour (United Nations)

Significance of study

This theoretical research study is divided into four parts, each of which is

structured according to the literature that was evaluated. The first portion of the

paper discusses the research issue, as well as the goals, and the methodology of

the study. The second part provides a concise but in-depth overview of the

historical context of the research subject. In the third portion, an effort to

emphasize the relevance of good governance has been undertaken. This section is

called "The Attempt." In the last part of the investigation, a synopsis of the results

is going to be presented and spoken about. It should be made abundantly obvious

at this point that it does not give a comprehensive study of the many different

causes and forces. Instead, it offers a holistic perspective on the myriad of

challenges and concerns connected to responsible governance. It is anticipated


13

that the outcomes of this study will not only be useful to academics and

professionals in the fields of politics and civil society action, but that they will

also be an enormously significant addition to students and decision-makers

working in the area of development studies.

Research model:

The research is going to be conducted using a qualitative technique, and it will be

based on an existing literature review. In light of the nature of the investigation

into the issue and the topic, the efforts that have been made to gather evidence

from a variety of sources have been taken into consideration. As a result, this

information comes from a mix of primary and secondary sources. It has been

extremely helpful in improving clarity in thinking about many aspects of the issue

to interact with other academics by visiting international seminars, conferences,

and workshops. These opportunities have been taken advantage of.

Chapter 2: Implication of Good Governance


Corruption, bureaucracy, and inefficiency crept into the very fabric of our

country, elevating the value of good governance as a priority for us. Now more
14

than ever, competent leadership is viewed as crucial to our state's success and is

widely acknowledged as a vital part of the nation-building process. There can be

no progress for the country if it is poorly governed. As of right now, this is the

greatest necessity. Excellent administration is essential for success in all spheres

of life, from the domestic sphere to the professional sphere. The process of

development can then be carried out on this firm footing.

There has been a lot of recent discussion on governance in relation to

development. This is because the term "governance" has come to mean more than

just "ruling" or "administration," but rather any way in which authority is used.

"Good governance" referred to the instructions provided by donor organizations

to recipient nations for the implementation of economic and political changes.

These prescriptions were presented as "conditionalities" by foreign donor

organizations, and compliance was required to be shown with regard to them.

Implications of good and bad government:

By definition, consequences imply that the only standard by which to evaluate

good and poor governance is a consequentialist moral theory. In relation to

development-related difficulties, this is a crucial factor.

Institutions are important:

Can a decent society be produced by a good government? Or will a healthy

society lead to a healthy government? Are all of these issues inextricably

entangled and embedded? Think, for instance, of China only thirty years ago.

Even if it is far better now than it was back then, it is simple to disagree with its
15

system of government. It is challenging to claim that China is not being properly

governed, despite the fact that its existing system of government is faulty.

However, it's possible that there are more grievances in nations with long-

standing constitutional systems than in nations moving in that way for the simple

reason that expectations are greater in the older systems.

Institutions have a crucial role in this respect, as was already mentioned. They

serve as incentives for credible commitments or free riding, among other things.

The structure of the financial obligations that are made between the various levels

of government is a major topic of the institutional literature on federalism. We

have also found that some voting methods have a high likelihood of producing

results that are noticeably unrepresentative.

The Electoral College method often gives the victors the impression that they

have a stronger claim than the public vote supports. About 11% of the time in

elections with smaller margins of victory, the Electoral College has chosen the

loser. Is it possible to call this system democratic? Somewhat representative?

Therefore, institutions by themselves do not provide any guarantees, particularly

in the presence of strong preferences or conditions.

Social Differences Matter:

Societies with a high level of social homogeneity seem to have a stronger sense of

community, be more willing to help one another, and produce more social capital.

That certainly appears to be the case. Page (2007) points out that social diversity

is more likely to produce innovative consequences.


16

The value of political leadership at the highest levels

We now understand that the governance system through which government

operates is becoming more intertwined. According to Kettl (1995, pp. 37–38), our

worries about the effectiveness of government are most apparent when officials

interact with the public.

The market, on the other hand, is a customer-based entity, and the effectiveness

of its transactions is its primary priority. The place where a government with an

authority-based structure and a market with an exchange-based structure clash

most strongly is there. Additionally, when these two sectors interact, divergent

expectations on complex social issues result in basic concerns with the legitimacy

of government.

Recognizing that there are several participants and a variety of interests is one

way to find a solution in this respect. Any group with an interest should not be

able to be excluded by the government, and everyone should be allowed to

participate. The ability to sit at the table and perform an action must be related in

some way (Kettle, 1995, p. 39). As Wilson (2008) and Kettl (1995, p. 39) have

observed, political leadership is required in this new climate to address these

concerns.

In the end, a system dealing with the connection between the government and its

people via bureaucrats will be the answer, but for that relationship to function

successfully, political leaders at the top must clearly frame it. Unfortunately,

having excellent intentions for the future without clear ways to influence it is

insufficient.
17

The Principles of Responsible Governance

Accountability, predictability, participation, and openness are the four pillars of

good governance, and they are generally relevant regardless of the economic

orientation, strategic goals, or policy decisions made by the government in

question. Participation, adherence to the rule of law, openness, responsiveness,

equality, inclusion, efficacy, efficiency, and accountability are all qualities of

good governance that are generally recognized as having universal applicability.

The next section of text will address the principles that, in the researcher's view,

have the potential to be regarded to be the most important principles of effective

governance. The researcher has compiled this list of important aspects based on

how relevant they are and how much of a contribution they make to the process of

developing an effective and objective-driven governing authority, taking into

account sociopolitical and economic factors. In addition to the importance that is

placed on them by the constitutions of a number of different countries, such as

India, the various documents that are produced by international governing

authorities, such as the United Nations, lend credence to the role that these

principles play in determining outcomes.

1. Elections that are both free and fair

Elections that are free and fair guarantee that residents will be able to exercise

their constitutional right to elect their leaders and, as a result, will be able to take

part in the process of having their interests represented by those officials.

However, in order for voters to be able to select the candidate who, in their

opinion, would be able to serve the government in the most effective manner, the
18

election process must be free and fair. Voters must have the ability to choose from

among the candidates, and they must have access to any pertinent information

regarding the candidates. These elections are free from influence or compulsion

on the part of the government and are open to people of any gender, race, or

ethnic background.

The right to vote is one of the important rights given by the Constitution and is

essential to the functioning of a democratic society. However, in order to

guarantee that elections are a source to a democratic society and not a goal in and

of themselves, it is necessary to take into account the other aspects that will be

described below.

2. An impartial judiciary and adherence to the rule of law

A system of checks and balances that is imposed upon the various institutions of

state government is an essential component of the constitutional process that

governs the country. One division of the government will be able to take

responsibility for the activities of another when they are held accountable in this

manner.

Because of the important part it plays in maintaining the rule of law, the

significance of having a court that is free from outside influence is not something

that can be ignored. The authority of the rule of law is the glue that holds the three

parts of the government together. It is the responsibility of the state's courts to

preserve the rule of law in an impartial and nondiscriminatory manner, to provide

equal protection for women and members of minority groups, and to provide open
19

and equitable access to the administrative and judicial systems. It is essential that

all segments of society have access to the judicial system.

For there to be good governance, there must first be fair legislative frameworks

that are then impartially implemented. It necessitates the complete safeguarding

of human rights, especially those of any and all minority groups.

3. Liberties of Expression and the Press

In order to accomplish the goal of democratic society, the freedoms of speech and

expression, as well as the freedom of the press, are constitutionally protected

rights. This helps to nurture good government. We live in a society that is driven

by information, and the public's ability to access information gives them a key

tool for making educated decisions about their day-to-day lives and allows them

to participate in the process of government. Our society is driven by information.

The capacity for individuals to hold their government accountable for its acts is

made possible by the existence of such liberties, which also serve as a check on

the accountability of the government. It makes political debate more accessible,

so establishing a "marketplace of ideas" in which all points of view may be

expressed freely and the most compelling are selected.

4. The Elimination of Corruption

The eradication of corruption is an essential component of good governance for

the purpose of protecting the credibility of democratic processes. As a result,

governments have an obligation to work toward eliminating corruption from their

systems. The most effective strategy for eliminating corruption is for governments

to adopt an open and honest policy. Although there are circumstances in which
20

governments are obligated to keep some information secret and private,

democratic governments are expected to be attentive to the right of citizens to be

informed. This idea may be shown to be prioritized by a government as seen by

the existence of both stringent anti-corruption legislation and law enforcement

authorities that actively combat the problem of corruption.

5. Investment in the Individuals

The administration is tasked with the responsibility of maximizing the country's

potential benefits while also effectively managing the few resources at its

disposal. The government is required to make investments in the people in order

to build a human resource base while also adhering to good governance norms.

This indicates that a substantial amount of resources must be allocated in order to

protect the well-being of the citizens without resorting to discrimination.

6. Legitimacy & Voice

In a state that complies with the principles of good governance, each individual

citizen must be given the opportunity to take part in the decision-making process.

This may be done directly or via legal institutions that serve as intermediaries.

The freedoms of association and speech make it feasible for such a large number

of people to participate. This is the case in comparison to the other concepts that

have been mentioned thus far. The goal to act based on agreement rather than the

will of a few, regardless of how powerful or influential they may be, is another

component of effective administration. This helps to create a wide agreement on

what is in the best interest of the whole society, which mediates the conflicting

interests that exist within the community. Before a route can be envisioned for
21

and focused on sustainable human development, the governing authority must

first consider the issue from a long-term perspective, paying appropriate respect to

the influence the issue will have on the society as a whole. This might entail

gaining a deeper understanding of the historical, cultural, and social settings of the

society in question.

7. The Direction

Good governance and human development should be seen from a wide and long-

term perspective, and both the public and the leaders of the country should have a

solid understanding of what is required for such growth. Moreover, there is a

comprehension of the historical, cultural, and social complexity that support that

position.

Therefore, governance may be thought of as a set of standards for the

management of public affairs. As was unequivocally stated by the President of the

World Bank, Lewis T. Preston, in the Foreword to the book "Governance and

Development,"

The combination of sensible economic strategies with effective administration is

very necessary. It is important to both the efficiency of markets and governments

that management in the public sector be both effective and responsible, and that

the policy framework be both predictable and transparent.

8. A Concentration on Performance

Achieving the goals established by the government is not something that can be

ignored, despite the fact that effective governance requires taking into account a
22

number of other issues as well. These institutions and procedures need to make an

effort to fulfil the requirements of all the relevant stakeholders and create

outcomes that do so while making the most efficient use possible of the available

resources. The work should always be geared toward reaching its full potential in

terms of performance. Performance may be broken down into two categories: the

degree to which the government is responsive, and the degree to which the

government is both effective and efficient. Serving all of the relevant parties

within a fair amount of time is a requirement of good governance. This helps

maintain the confidence and support of the general public. Only if there is genuine

and serious participation on the part of civil society in the public affairs of the

state can the responsiveness of the government be evaluated. The idea of

efficiency, when applied to the practice of good governance, encompasses not

only the conservation of natural resources but also the safeguarding of the

surrounding environment.

9. Accountability

"The power that the government wields is also connected to the information it

has. The power of those inside the government is increased while the power of

those outside it is diminished when knowledge is restricted. As a result, the desire

for openness and knowledge also involves the concept of power distribution.

When power is held by a smaller group of individuals rather than being dispersed

over a larger population, there is a greater likelihood that it may be abused. The

more people have access to knowledge, the less arbitrary the government is likely

to be.
23

In addition to being responsible to the general public and its respective

institutional stakeholders, the corporate sector and groups within civil society

must also be held accountable. In general, those who will be impacted in some

way by the choices or activities of an organization or institution are the ones to

whom it is responsible.

Without adherence to the rule of law and openness, it is impossible to impose

accountability. The term "transparency" refers to the process of making choices,

adhering to those decisions in compliance with established guidelines and laws,

and making the information that pertains to such actions available to the public

for review by those who will be impacted by the decisions. To put it another way,

it implies that adequate information is offered, and that this knowledge is

delivered in a form and medium that is simple and straightforward to

comprehend.

10. Fairness

The choices that are made by the governing body ought to have a feeling of

justice that permeates the whole organization. It is important for all members of

the society to have the feeling that they are contributing equally to the society.

Every single individual need to be recognized as an equal, and certain rights that

are viewed as being inherent to people should be upheld and honored. Everyone

deserves an equal chance to improve or maintain their health, and that opportunity

must be provided. On the other hand, if there is a need for the government to

assist in improving the economic, social, or political status of particular protected

segments of society, then that segment of society must be given special attention.
24

Characteristics of Good Governance

Accountability, a focus on reaching agreement, effectiveness and efficiency,

equity and inclusion, participation, transparency, responsiveness to the demands

of the people, and adherence to the rule of law are all hallmarks of good

governance. It guarantees that corruption is reduced, that the ideas of minority

groups are taken into consideration, and that the perspectives of the defenseless

members of society are addressed in the process of decision-making. In addition

to this, it is sensitive to the people's ongoing and impending requirements (UNDP,

1997). The components of effective administration are shown in figure.

Strategic Vision and Consensus


Orientation

Participatory
Accountable

Good
Transparen
Rule of Law Governance t

Effective and Responsive

Equitable and Inclusive

The following are fundamental components that the Commission acknowledged

as constituting good governance: -


25

i. Responsibility

ii. Openness and Affirmative Action

iii. Accountability

iv. Participation

v. Responsiveness.

Accountability, involvement, and the enjoyment of civil rights as well as the

denial of limited or unbending approaches to development aid are some of the

basic concepts that underlie good governance, which is achieved through

integrating good governance to sustainable human development. An implicit

authorization of the rights-based approach to development may be inferred from

Resolution 2000/64 of the United Nations. This resolution makes the connection

between effective governance and an environment that fosters growth and

promotes human development in a way that is both sustainable and compatible

with the enjoyment of human rights. It highlights the necessity of development

assistance for encouraging good governance in nations that need foreign help,

which is a key takeaway from this (OHCHR).

Relationship of Good Governance with Human Rights and

Development

There is a close connection between development, respect for human rights, and

good governance. Human rights serve as a set of principles that may direct

political and social actors inside the government. In addition to that, they provide

norms for these actors to follow in reference to their responsibility. Furthermore,

human rights concepts serve as a framework for the construction of structures for
26

the drafting of laws, policies, and plans for the allocation of budgetary resources,

amongst other activities (Hassan 2006). On the other hand, valuing and protecting

human rights in a sustainable manner is impossible in the absence of competent

governance. The existence of favorable conditions is necessary for the effective

application of human rights. The connection between effective governance and

respect for human rights may be seen in the context of the following spheres:

Institutions of democratic government

If norms pertaining to human rights come before democratic institutions, then

these rules open the door for the general public to participate in the formulation of

decisions and policies via either official or informal channels or through

dialogues. In addition to this, they devise methods for the participation of a

variety of social groups in the decision-making process and encourage members

of civil society and the general public to voice their opinions on issues that are

important to them.

The distribution of services

Good governance strengthens human rights by ensuring that individuals get the

benefits they are entitled to from the state. The preservation of human rights

principles like the right to education, health care, and food requires an

improvement in the state's capacity to carry out its responsibility to provide public

goods. This progress is very important. Plans for improvements should take into

consideration accountability, openness, and different methods for the public to

participate in decision-making as well as policy instruments that are technically


27

complex in order to guarantee that services are accessible to everyone and meet

their needs.

Legal supremacy

Concerning the primacy of the rule of law, good governance choices need the

existence of judicial and criminal systems, as well as parliaments, in order to

ensure that laws are carried out correctly. Decisions made in the name of good

governance may also include lawful reform, the education of the general public

on national and international legitimate systems, and the improvement of the

capacity of institutions or their capacity for change.

Anti-Corruption

Good governance places a focus on accountability, openness, and involvement in

the formation of anti-corruption measures. This is done with the goal of

combating corruption. The making of decisions may need the establishment of

organizations such as an anti-corruption commission, networks for the exchange

of information, and monitoring mechanisms for the government's use of public

money, in addition to the development and application of tactics.

Good Governance: A Conceptual Perspective

Although governance and good governance are ideas that have been described in

a number of ways, there is a lack of uniformity in the meanings of these phrases.

These definitions are based on normative assumptions about the proper

procedures for making and implementing organizational decisions. It's not easy to

boil down the complexity and nuance of the concept of "Governance" into a few

pithy sentences. They haven't settled on a single interpretation of its significance


28

just yet. Various academic camps have offered their own interpretations of what

"governance" means. Another approach to think about governance is as a two-step

process: decision-making and implementation (or not implemented). According to

Tahir Naveed, governance is the application of social, political, administrative,

and economic systems to the management of resources and the formation of

official and informal bodies, institutions, and businesses. The explanation given

by Naveed may be found here. The World Bank has two related but somewhat

separate views on governance. "How political power is utilized in order to

administer a nation's affairs," as the term puts it, is the key emphasis. In the

second instance, the World Bank offers a more comprehensive explanation of the

term. "The exercise of power in the management of a country's economic and

social resources for the aim of development," says this definition of governance.

The term "democratic governance" was first used in the United Nations Human

Development Report in 2002, ushering in a new way of thinking about

government. For progress in human evolution, this fresh viewpoint is essential.

An essential feature of every democratic government is upholding the rights and

liberties of its citizens, including them in policymaking, and holding them

accountable for the outcomes of their decisions. It aims to create economic and

social policies that are more in tune with the needs of the general public.

According to Etounge Manguella, "good governance" requires a rule of law, the

protection of human rights, the existence of an honest and effective

administration, as well as accountability, transparency, predictability, and

openness.
29

"The skilled management of a nation's resources and affairs in a manner that is

open, transparent, accountable, equitable, and attentive to the needs of the public,"

these are some of the criteria that Michael Johnston lists as defining good

governance.

For a government to function well, it must have these five features. These include

a government that is responsive to the will of the people as expressed through

freely held and fair elections, a currency that is stable, universal access to quality

education and healthcare, and a separation of powers that ensures the executive

branch is answerable to a democratically elected legislature. In addition, there is a

reliable currency. According to the United Nations Development Programme,

"good governance" is a process that encourages "staff incentives, training of

public personnel, administrative and financial decentralization, and collaboration

between governments and civil society" (UNDP). In addition, the UNDP has

highlighted the following primary characteristics of good governance:

o Freedom of information and speech;

o Political accountability and legitimacy;

o A free and impartial court;

o Accountability of the bureaucracy;

o Management of the public sector that is both effective and efficient, as well as

cooperation with organizations of civil society

According to Dev Raj, the dispersion of political and economic authority is the

essential component of effective administration. Instead of concentrating


30

electricity in one location, it should be distributed to the many institutions located

around the region. It is generally accepted that decentralization would bring about

democracy as well as growth; these are both necessary elements for effective

administration. Therefore, the presence of power inside a political system is

indicative of effective governance.

Therefore, the purpose of governance in every community is to promote

transparency via the use of economic, political, and administrative power. In

essence, it works toward the goal of developing excellent relationships between

those who govern and those who are ruled. To summarize, we might say that this

point demonstrates that the idea of good is not fixed. The goals of the populace

need to be taken into account in order for there to be good administration. The

ambitions have to be founded on an awareness of both reality and the dynamic

nature of the world. One definition of good governance is that which encourages

human growth via the engagement of the whole population and the maintenance

of social and economic parity. The establishment of a civil society should be

considered the capstone goal of effective government.

Principles of Good Governance

On the basis of the concepts presented above, the following characteristics of

good governance have been identified as parameters. In addition to adhering to

the rule of law, the government ought to be participative, focused on reaching

agreement, responsible, transparent, responsive, effective, and efficient; equitable;

and inclusive. Most significantly, it offers the citizens of that country the certainty

that their government will not engage in corrupt acts of any kind. In addition to
31

this, when it comes to making decisions, the government should give the

perspectives of underrepresented groups in society a higher level of importance

and pay attention to the concerns of the most vulnerable members of our society. 

Democratization and Civil Society

In order to have effective government, democracy is a necessary requirement. It's

possible for a democratic government to run into problems with its capacity to

rule. Nevertheless, a democratic system is necessary because it is the only

structure that has the potential to advance the morals of economic and political

freedom and growth for people while also increasing the level of popular

involvement; these are characteristics of effective government. A scenario in

which there is trust on both sides (between the state and the citizens) is said to

have excellent governance. This idea comes from the context in which this

statement was made. To a certain extent, it is of the utmost significance to place a

focus on democratic forms of government. Participation from the populace is

required of the government; members of society, both male and female, should be

actively involved in a variety of activities and organizations that fall within the

purview of the government. The idea that all people should be treated the same is

one of the most fundamental tenets of our country's constitutional framework,

which forms the basis of our modern political system. This indicates that the

individual communities adhere to the concept of equality, which states that

everyone in the community shall have the same rights, obligations, and public

duties and will not be discriminated against based on their race, origin, or

religious beliefs. Some scholars have theorized that democracy, civil society, and
32

human rights are fundamental elements of effective administration. Additionally,

it has been stated by some academics that the problem of constructing a civil

society is essential to the problem of effective administration. Mustafa Kamal

There is a widespread consensus among experts that civil society is in fact a

primary mover and shaker in the process of political and economic change, which

is a necessary prerequisite for effective governance. In point of fact, excellent

governance has been regarded to be the hallmark of a civil society. This is defined

as a society that guarantees a democratic political culture, along with

accountability and public engagement in the process of growth. The current

period is one in which a greater emphasis is being placed on civil society as well

as human rights as a result of the international market process that has been driven

by globalization and liberalization. It involves giving individuals more control

over their own lives, which can only be accomplished via effective government.

Accountability

One of the essential components of effective governance is accountability, which

refers both to the obligation of the governing body toward the governed and to the

process by which individuals may exert influence over the governing body. It is

challenging to provide a succinct explanation of the responsibility since it is a

multi-layered and complicated topic. On the other hand, accountability may be

thought of as the process through which an individual or organization can be held

responsible for the actions that they have taken. In most cases, accountability is

enforced on members of the political and civil executive (also known as public

officials) who are answerable to the general public. They carry out their
33

responsibilities and powers in the name and interest of the people. In terms of

political accountability, the people hold their representatives responsible by

voting in elections.

Accountability may be understood in terms of horizontal accountability, vertical

accountability, social accountability, and political accountability. Another term

for this type of accountability is horizontal oversight. Horizontal oversight refers

to the process of overseeing the performance of public officers. In most cases, the

term "horizontal accountability" refers to the internal procedures that exist inside

the government. It consists of official relationships with various entities within the

state and government. The internal check and monitoring procedure is the primary

emphasis of this strategy. For the time being, executive must provide lawmakers

with an explanation of their choice.

Rule of Law

There is a widespread agreement in the political sphere that the rule of law is an

essential basis upon which to build efforts to accomplish the objective of good

governance. In terms of governance, justice is considered to be of the utmost

importance. As a result, it places a high premium on justice as the most essential

component in the formation of a fair society, one in which people of all walks of

life and adherents of a variety of religions are able to coexist peacefully and

harmoniously without fear of being persecuted. Equally as vital, effective

governance demands a just legislative system that must be implemented in an

objective manner in order to guarantee complete protection to the human rights of

the people, most particularly those rights held by minorities. In addition, in order
34

to properly accomplish this, there must be fair application of laws, which calls for

an independent judicial system as well as a police force that is both impartial and

devoid of corruption.

Transparency

The provision known as transparency is the one that makes it feasible for the

general public to get insight into the decision-making process of the government.

In addition to this, it is also one of the essential components of effective

governance.

In today's world, openness and transparency on governance are becoming more

important factors in the path toward growth. The government is obligated to

adhere to the highest standards of openness and transparency in all of its decision-

making processes, as well as in the formulation and administration of laws and

policies, which need to be in accordance with the norms and standards of sound

governance. In addition, every piece of information must be readily available to

the public as well as the media, and it must be clear and simple enough for

everyone to comprehend. If this were done, it would be much simpler for the

general population as a whole to keep track of and comprehend the dissemination

of significant information on the actions and circumstances of the government.

Meritocracy; Absence of Corruption

The government is the single most important institution in terms of effective

governance. It is essential for the continued existence of any state that officials in

the government be selected based on their qualifications. Unfortunately,

corruption has grown to be nearly accepted as the standard in today's society. Its
35

many facets include, among other things, the inflating of contracts in exchange for

kickbacks, the fraud and falsification of accounting in the public service, as well

as the acceptance of bribes and the distortion of justice and fairness at a variety of

different levels. It should come as no surprise that corruption is a significant

barrier to effective government.

Consensus Oriented

There are many different types of stakeholders in society. In the event that there is

a conflict of interest between these various interest bases' stake holders, it is

necessary for effective governance to arbitrate between them. The government is

responsible for making decisions based on reaching a consensus among its

citizens. This shift occurred because the term "governance" originally referred to

a type of relationship in which a small group of people held the ultimate authority

to it includes the mechanisms, procedures, and structures that people, businesses,

organizations, and communities use in order to jointly make decisions and put

those decisions into action, as well as to resolve problems.

Effectiveness and Efficiency

A society is said to have good governance when the processes and institutions

within it are able to deliver outcomes that are in line with societal requirements

while also making efficient use of the resources at their disposal. When discussing

efficient governance, the term "efficiency" refers to both the careful

administration of natural resources and the protection of the surrounding

environment. In order to ensure steady economic and social development, it is

crucial that decision-makers have a broad and long-term view on how to enhance
36

the governance process. To make sure everything goes smoothly and efficiently,

you need a system in place.

Equity and Inclusiveness

For there to be good governance, there must be a guarantee that every person has

the right to chances to either develop or maintain their well-being in a way that is

fair and inclusive...

Why is Good Governance Important?

The procedures for making choices and carrying them out effectively are at the

heart of good governance. It is not so much about making choices that are "right"

as it is about developing the most effective procedure for reaching those

judgments as is humanly feasible. The study of good governance has therefore

become an extremely significant topic in the academic literature of development

studies, political science, and administrative sciences as a result of the

aforementioned environment. The importance of good governance may be

attributed to its many advantages. The effectiveness of the relevant institution

must, first and foremost, be used as a yardstick to evaluate the quality of

governance. As a consequence of this, it is of the utmost importance that the

purpose of the organization be precisely articulated. Then, in order to make

progress toward that objective, it is necessary to define decision rights and

procedures, in addition to setting up a feedback loop in order to test and regulate

performance. Governance refers to the process by which an organization is

governed; it specifies the requirements for power, accountability, and controls

inside the institution. Whatever organization, no matter how big or little, whether
37

it's run for profit or not, and on any scale, from a single family all the way up to

global organizations that have an effect on our lives, has to pay attention to

governance. Therefore, governance is important for mankind in order to improve

the quality of life today and to ensure the continued existence of humanity in the

future. It is a truth universally understood that there is no possibility of achieving

lasting socioeconomic growth in the absence of democracy, peace, and decent

administration.

In recent years, there has been a greater focus placed on human development in

the context of cultures that are still in the process of evolving. It refers to the

enhancement of human potential and available possibilities. Both good

governance and human governance are necessary for human development. Good

governance is a precondition for human development. Human governance would

assure human growth. It is now generally understood that economic factors are

not the primary causes of human deprivation. This was not always the case.

Ineffective governance is a fundamental cause of a number of social and political

concerns as well. It is so abundantly evident that the problem of effective

governance centers on the inextricable connections that exist between social,

economic, and political advancement. It has been pointed out, and not without

reason, that successful administration requires political plurality in addition to

free and fair elections. It means spending considerably less money on the

preparedness of the military, on war, and on infrastructure, and much more money

on education, health care, and basic conveniences. It implies combating corrupt

practises such as nepotism and corruption. This also argues that excellent
38

governance should place a greater emphasis on cultivating a political environment

that is conducive to the growth of both the social and economic sectors. The

effective governance also has to guarantee that the money of the state are used to

develop human and productive regions rather than non-human and non-productive

areas. This is because non-human and non-productive places are not beneficial to

the state.

Performance is the central focus of governance, to put it simply. Therefore, the

purpose of governance in every community is to promote transparency via the use

of economic, political, and administrative power. In essence, it works toward the

goal of developing excellent relationships between those who govern and those

who are ruled.


39

Chapter 3: Creating the conditions for Good

Governance

Institutions and developmental stages

Conditions go through developmental phases. Early phases of growth are seldom

aesthetically pleasing. They often entail excessive pollution, environmental

destruction, and human and physical relocation. But when growth is effective, it

also produces attitudes that are often more supportive of measures that enhance

the social condition, the environment, and other aspects of society.

Of course, there are many factors that influence the level of governance at various

phases of growth (Rothstein & Teorell, 2008a). Corruption, bribery, and the like

are likely to occur in governments that struggle to pay their officials a respectable

income.

Institutions may also vary in their degree of democracy. Voting and

representational systems may be more or less representative of the general

opinion. Sometimes plurality systems squander and distort votes, replace more

nuanced public feelings with more radical party elite viewpoints, and ultimately

result in stronger but more unrepresentative leadership. Systems using

proportional representation primarily do the opposite, but often suffer from a

reduced capacity for governance.


40

The standard of government

Rothstein and Teorell's (2008a, 2008b) quality-of-government research indicated

that "expectation of fair and equitable treatment" by authorities is quite strong;

this is an important result for multicultural societies. When other factors are

included, such as a country's level of development, democratic consolidation, and

corruption, this conclusion becomes much more significant. Confidence is

increased when justice is anticipated. But what does being fair really entail? In

order to be fair, everyone must be treated equally and given the same respect.

Fairness in a formal sense, which implies that justice is blind, is what Rothstein

and Teorell (2008a, 2008b) have really described. What about corrective actions,

like affirmative action, to address historical inequities? Regardless of the benefits

or worth of such compensating measures, those who will be negatively impacted

by them will undoubtedly perceive injustice and inequality, and this perception

will likely become reality. These are mostly Caucasian men in the United States,

although many persons of Asian descent are also negatively impacted by these

measures since Asian Americans tend to be a high-achieving and high-earning

demographic.

Inevitably, the issue of whether fairness and equality apply to people individually,

collectively, or both has been discussed, as well as whether programmes that start

out as compensation measures eventually deteriorate and lose their initial, albeit

somewhat vague, goal of righting historical wrongs.


41

Highly Desirable Goals and Trade-Offs

Wilson (2008) suggests that trade-offs between highly valued objectives are

unavoidable. Nearly every asset we appreciate has a drawback. The government

of the United States is often referred to as a government of laws rather than of

people. A legal system indicates that following the law and upholding the

constitution are essential (Rosenbloom & Piotrowski, 2005).

Things we dislike, like corruption or dictatorship, may sometimes have

advantages. The World Bank opposes corruption because it mostly harms the

poor. Most of the time, it is acceptable to do so since corruption only serves to

benefit oligarchs. In other cases, a certain level of corruption may encourage

capital flows and lower transaction costs, particularly during the early phases of

expansion. According to Kang (2002), crony capitalism may create differences

between South Korea and the Philippines while also spanning the boom and bust

periods. One must speak candidly about the levels of corruption and politics in

those countries in order to comprehend the divergent economic consequences of

crony capitalism in South Korea and the Philippines.

Similar to this, there are several types of authoritarianism, such as those seen in

Singapore and North Korea. While living under authoritarian control, the majority

of Asia's tigers developed the sophisticated economies that support their

contemporary democracies (Hahm &Heo, 2008). Perhaps we shouldn't pass too

many harsh judgments on democracy until the right circumstances are in place

(Rosenbloom & Hahm, 2010; Whitford & Lee, 2009). In terms of developmental

circumstances, whereas wealthy democracies wanted to avoid the Weberian


42

model, the objective in underdeveloped nations like Bangladesh was to bring

these nations up to the Weberian model of predictability and regularity.

Objectively speaking, there is no room for debate on such values as objectivity,

law that is tempered by compassion, representativeness, consideration of others'

opinions and interests, freedom and consideration of the public good, economic

growth, concern for the future, and concern for extremes of inequality. Since

trade-offs between them must eventually be made, the challenge is how to go

about doing so.

The practice of good governance is an admirable goal that is challenging to

realize entirely. In most cases, governance is carried out by individuals who have

good intentions and who bring to the table the ideas, experiences, preferences, and

other aspects of the human condition that constitute both their strengths and their

weaknesses. The goal of good governance is to accomplish it via an ongoing

dialogue that makes an effort to take into account all of the factors that must be

taken into account in order to guarantee that the interests of stakeholders are taken

into account and represented in policy efforts.

An outstanding framework for good governance has been outlined by the UK

Independent Commission on Good Governance in Public Services, and it should

be reviewed as soon as possible. The framework for good governance outlines six

fundamental principles that, when put into practice, result in successful

governance.
43

The criterion for good governance is comprised of six fundamental concepts,

including the following:

1. Effective performance in one's assigned responsibilities and roles is a necessary

condition for good governance.

• Having a firm understanding of the roles played by the governing body

• Being transparent about the roles and obligations of both non-executive board

members and executive management, as well as ensuring that those roles and

responsibilities are really carried out

• Maintaining transparency with regard to the governors' ties with the public

2. Promoting principles for the whole business and showing the ideals of good

governance via one's actions are both essential components of good governance.
44

• Putting the core principles of the company into action

• Individual governors conducting themselves in a manner that upholds and

exemplifies successful governance in their respective institutions

3. Practicing good governance involves making judgments after gathering relevant

information and acting openly and honestly.

• Adhering to strict standards while maintaining complete openness about decision-

making processes

• Possessing and making use of high-quality sources of information, guidance, and

assistance

• Ensuring that an efficient system for risk management is in place at all times

• Ensuring that appointed and elected governors have the necessary knowledge,

experience, and expertise to carry out their duties effectively

• Improving the abilities of those who are charged with governance tasks and

analyzing how well they do their jobs, both as individuals and as a collective unit

• Finding a happy medium between maintaining the status quo and bringing in fresh

blood to fill up the ranks of the governing body

4. Focusing on the organization's mission as well as the results that matter to

stakeholders is an essential component of good governance.

• Maintaining transparency on the organization's goals and the results it anticipates

achieving for its many stakeholders

• Ensuring that customers are provided with services of a high standard

• Ensuring that tax payers are provided with good value for their money
45

5. Engaging stakeholders and concretizing accountability are essential components

of good governance.

• Having a solid grasp of both formal and informal accountability connections

• Taking a proactive and strategic approach to having conversations with the public

and being accountable to them

• Adopting a responsible stance toward the workforce via an active and well-

planned approach

• Having productive engagements with various institutional stakeholders

It is necessary to have a wide and long-term perspective on the relationship

between good governance and human development in order to create a strategic

vision. In addition to this, there is a comprehension of the historical, cultural, and

social complexity that support that position.

Methods for achieving effective government

• Resetting the priorities of the state by making adequate investments in basic

human requirements

• The establishment of social safety nets for the underprivileged and the

disadvantaged

• Making the institutions of the state stronger

• Increasing the efficiency of Parliament via the implementation of necessary

changes to the way it now operates

• Strengthening the Capabilities of the Civil Service via Appropriate Reform

Measures
46

• Creating new partnerships with members of the civic community

• Developing a new cooperative architecture between the government and the

private sector

All of these findings do not imply that good governance is not desired; rather,

they suggest that large advances in good governance may not be immediately

attainable. This does not indicate that good governance is not desirable. In point

of fact, there is no evidence to suggest that any poor country has achieved

significant improvements in good governance. On the other hand, there is plenty

of evidence to suggest that high-growth developing countries achieved growth

utilizing the same levels of good-governance capabilities as the low-growth

countries. In the same vein, modest but significant advancements in good

governance are not only feasible but also desirable, and they have the potential to

have a significant influence on the day-to-day lives of essential constituent

groups. The crucial remark to make here is rather that changes that are technically

attainable in terms of good governance are not likely to be big enough to have an

effect on growth and development.

If the amount of "good governance" that can be improved is limited, then we will

have to search for alternative governance changes in order to increase the amount

of resources that can be mobilized and the effectiveness with which investments

can be allocated. The agenda of good governance is harmful precisely because it

defines the governance in such a manner that crucial governance skills are

overlooked. This is how the agenda of governance causes damage. And despite

the liberal agenda's best efforts, the capacities of governments to intervene


47

successfully and remedy market failures may turn out to be the most crucial for

good governance. This is despite the fact that the liberal agenda made it a priority

to eliminate these very capabilities.

Chapter 4: Policies Presentation and

communication

Communication and Administrative Structures

It is necessary to educate governments on the benefits that come with effective

communication. They see communication as nothing more than a spare tyre and
48

only turn to it when trying to find solutions to issues that arise within the business.

As a result, they often fail to recognize the importance of communication to both

their work and their operation.

Communication from the Government

The earlier body of research demonstrated that government communication

focused on the construction of an image or reputation for the government as a

whole as well as for individuals serving in the government. This was done to

ensure good public support and re-election. According to Pfetsch (1999), the

institutions and tactics for the dissemination of public information are the means

by which governments regulate the flow of political messages. The purpose of

government communication is not only to educate public about the stances and

policies of the executive branch, but also to legitimize political activities, with the

end goal of gaining popular consent and gaining an edge in electoral contests.

According to the Rapporteur's Report (2009), it is in the interest of the

government to institute regimes of transparency and accountability by providing

citizens with adequate information regarding priorities, programmes, and

activities. This is argued to be in the interest of the government. The failure to

convey information to the public thus constitutes a significant barrier to effective

government. On the other hand, greater communication inside the government has

a significant multiplier impact.


49

Communication Regarding Governance

This study prefers to use the term "governance communication" rather than

"government communication" to make a clear distinction from traditional

government communication, which is sometimes referred to as "political

communication." Partisan or pro-administration communication is another term

for traditional government communication.

The term "governance communication" refers to the process of disseminating

information in an effective and efficient manner. In addition to this, it requires not

only providing persuading messages to the general public, but also clarifying

functioning policies, raising knowledge of the rights of people, and building

channels that permit contact in both directions between citizens and the

government.

Informing, advocating and convincing people (for policies and changes), and

engaging citizens are the three basic tasks of government communications. It is

the responsibility of communication to improve the effectiveness, responsiveness,

and accountability of the government. Effectiveness refers to the building of

broad support and legitimacy for programmes; responsiveness refers to knowing

the needs of citizens and responding to those needs; and accountability refers to

explaining government stewardship and providing mechanisms for holding

governments accountable.

Governance, in order to be successful, has to work hand in hand with the

communication flows that occur inside and among those in management,

employees, stockholders, and the general public. The Institutional Shareholder's


50

Services (ISS, 2006, as referenced in Naluz, 2010) compiled a list of the most

effective methods that firms have used in the past to employ communication in

order to foster better ties amongst various stakeholders. 

We are looking for a new paradigm for development that sees it as a social

revolution, like many others. In this view, change serves as a tool to achieve other

goals rather than as an aim in and of itself. Changes brought about by progress

give people and society greater power over their own future. People's lives are

improved by development since it broadens their perspectives and makes them

feel less alone. It lessens the suffering imposed by sickness and poverty, not only

lengthening lives but also enhancing their quality. 

This point of view contends that in order to allow a process of reciprocal

sharing and learning, communication issues must be deliberately included into

growth plans. This kind of collaborative sharing is seen to be the greatest

assurance for developing successful revolutionary undertakings. This new

viewpoint is what we refer to as the multiplicity or participation paradigm. It takes

a comprehensive approach and makes use of many integrated strategies.

The United Nations Millennium Declaration (United Nations 2000)

similarly adopts a similar set of tenets and values:

• Freedom: These rights are most effectively guaranteed by democratic,

participatory government that is founded on popular desire.


51

• Equality: No person or country should be denied the chance to gain from

development. Equal opportunities and rights for men and women must be

guaranteed.

• Solidarity: In order to uphold the fundamental tenets of fairness and social justice,

it is essential to handle global difficulties in a manner that equitably distributes

the costs and burdens. Those who profit the most should support those who suffer

the most or get the least benefit.

• Tolerance: People must respect one another despite their differences in belief

systems, cultures, and linguistic traditions. Differences within and across

communities have to be celebrated as a priceless human resource rather than

feared or suppressed. All civilizations' cultures of peace and discussion should be

actively encouraged.

• Respect for nature: Only in this manner can we conserve and pass on to future

generations the tremendous treasures that nature has given us. In the sake of our

future wellbeing and that of our successors, the existing unsustainable patterns of

production and consumption must be modified.

• Shared responsibility: It is necessary for the world's countries to cooperate on a

multilateral basis in order to manage global economic and social development as

well as threats to international peace and security. The United Nations must take

the lead since it is the most inclusive and representative institution in the world.

To put it another way, every civilization and community has to work on

defining its own plan for sustainable development.


52

Governance for development and social change

The term "governance" has become part of the vocabulary of progress and social

transformation in recent years. The meaning of the phrase may vary widely, often

dependent on the position taken by the organization, group, or authority

concerned.

Effective governance entails skillful resource management that is fair, transparent,

responsible, and sensitive to the demands of the populace.

The fundamental cornerstone of progress is good governance. It is the best

investment Australia can make to encourage long-term prosperity, raise living

standards, and lessen poverty. Support for effective governance must come from

partner governments' service delivery divisions, local governments, civic society,

and the commercial sector, not only from the central government.

There are five major areas to improve the governance and address the diverse

constituencies:

• Better economic and financial leadership

• Enhanced efficiency of the public sector

• Improved law and justice

• Growth of civic society

• Solidified democratic institutions.

The link between Communication and Governance:

It has long been understood that an informed and active civil society depends

critically on a free and balanced flow of information provided by an independent


53

media and an open government. In order to improve governance in developing

nations, communication is essential.

Public involvement is improved via communication as well. National initiatives to

enhance public sector performance, boost openness, and cut down on corruption

may include participation and monitoring procedures. A system of checks and

balances is intended to provide accountability between and among different

government agencies, manage conflicts of interest in the public sector, properly

distribute power by enhancing public engagement, and reduce conditions that

encourage corrupt conduct. These accountability measures are essential for the

public sector's efficient administration (World Bank 2006a).

Attention to the public realm, where knowledgeable individuals actively

participate in political discourse, is a component of governance as well.

Communication increases civil society's capacity to influence political decision-

making and hold the government responsible. Good government depends on

giving people the capacity to demand accountability and input in decision-

making. Only an atmosphere free from political, economic, and social influences

may develop participatory communication.


54

Chapter 5: Conclusion and Recommendation:


It is widely recognized as the most important factor that must be integrated into

the plan for growth. However, in recent years, those who specialize in

development have placed a greater emphasis on "good governance" as a

precondition for progress. From what has been said above, it should be crystal

clear that "good governance" refers to the practice of governing in which all

public decisions and other matters are handled openly and honestly, government

officials are held accountable for their actions and promoted based on merit, and

the divide between the government and the people is closed. All of these

components of effective governance work hand in hand to complement one

another. Academics and industry professionals have also focused their attention

on the best approach to achieving good governance. Many academics make the

connection between democratic politics and effective government. Good

governance occurs when the choices and acts of the government are founded on
55

the consent of the people, legitimacy, and accountability to those decisions and

actions. They have never been able to communicate effectively with one another,

which has always been a barrier in the way of developing a system that adheres to

the principles of accountability, transparency, and responsiveness. It is possible

that the paper will come to the conclusion that effective governance is that which

encourages human growth via the engagement of the general populace as well as

through social and economic equality. The establishment of a healthy civil society

must stand as the pinnacle goal of effective government. It is also important to

note that the idea of "good" does not remain unchanged throughout time. The

goals of the populace need to be taken into account in order for there to be good

administration. The ambitions have to be founded on an awareness of both reality

and the dynamic nature of the world. Today, not only does sound governance

have a major position in the discussion of development, but it is also seen as one

of the most important components in the process of nation-building.

A few Recommendations:

1. It is impossible to have effective development communication without good

governance, openness, and accountability. There is a distinction to be made

between good governance and a decent government. Participation from all parties

involved is necessary for effective governance to function properly. There is no

guarantee that citizens will be involved in decision-making when political

institutions are decentralized. The term "democratization" is not synonymous with

"decentralization." It's possible that underneath the motivations for

decentralization is a desire on the part of those in power to reduce the amount of


56

responsibility they have while simultaneously increasing their grip on things. This

makes it harder to determine who is accountable for what. Because of this, the

function that the local media plays in creating mutual understanding between

those in positions of authority and the populations they serve is very important.

2. It might be difficult and complicated to conceptualize participatory notions within

the framework of communication for development. Communities are made up of

mutable interests and ever-changing interpersonal connections.

3. Different degrees of participation are possible, including (a) decision making; (b)

benefits; (c) assessment; and (d) execution. The shifting of power dynamics lies at

the heart of participation. While it may have the desired effect on one group, it

might have the opposite effect on another. For involvement to have any real

meaning, it must be organized around shared interests and include an

understanding of how to navigate power dynamics.

4. For the sake of fostering good governance and openness, it is essential to

strengthen both independent and pluralistic media. Print media, which are often

more autonomous and pluralistic than radio and television, have the potential to

play a unique role in the functioning of society. However, there is a need for all

forms of media to become more sensitive and participative. At the present day,

there is often a disconnection between what the media report and the reality that

exist in a nation. A nation that is driven only by business interests will not address

its most pressing problems because those problems do not generate profits. It

makes the media less effective as watchdogs in society. Even in democracies, the

freedom of the press is never completely guaranteed.


57

5. Radio, which in certain areas might be the participatory instrument that is the

most successful overall, has not been used to its full potential in the field of

communication for development. In many rural communities located inside

developing nations, radio has the greatest level of penetration. There is still time

to reacquaint oneself with radio. Community radio in particular, which is often

connected to the rest of the world via the Internet, has shown that it has the ability

to make involvement both effective and sustainable. As a result, information and

communications technologies are an essential instrument for facilitating effective

governance, provided that application and operation systems are made accessible

in the languages spoken in the area.

Verdict:

These reasons and points of examination get us closer to a more in-depth and

comprehensive comprehension of the numerous connotations associated with

excellent and poor governance. However, as Kaufman (1960) points out, every

regulation results in rigidity and bureaucracy to some extent. Evidently, or maybe

not so plainly, there is no one response that is definitively correct. And the

response that one receives is contingent not only on who is questioned but also on

the subject matter of the inquiry. In this sense, every one of us has a unique

understanding of the characteristics that really define excellent and poor

governance. In point of fact, determining what constitutes excellent and poor

governance turns out to be a very complicated endeavor. However, we must carry

on doing empirical tests on the assertions.


58

For instance, Jones and Williams investigate the so-called "politics of bad ideas."

More specifically, they investigate the question of why, over the course of the

past quarter century, poor ideas regarding the economy, have become so

influential in shaping government policy. They found that tax cuts led to the

largest income gaps since the 1920s, sluggish overall economic growth, fast

growing national debt, decreasing home values, and an increase in foreclosures.

These findings are in contrast to the outcomes that were supposed to emerge from

the tax cuts. In a nutshell, our ideological preferences and illusions have to be put

to the test. The acquisition of knowledge is a necessary first step toward effective

governance.

In the end, what determines a good (or terrible) title is the quality of the

governance in place. The truth of the matter is, however, that it has several

dimensions, is continuous rather than discrete, is conditional and consequential, as

well as being empirical and philosophical in nature. The business is so difficult

that it might even be mind-boggling. And just as with everything else that seems

to be so inexplicable, the first thing that needs to be done is to simplify everything

as much as possible in order to isolate the elements that are necessary. That is a

promising start to an endeavor in which we have strong suspicions that there will

be no conclusion.
59

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