Governance

GOOD GOVERNANCE
This is an approach to a government that is committed to creating a system,
founded in justice and peace, that protects individuals’ human rights and civil
liberties. Governance requires that all groups, particularly those most
vulnerable, have direct or representative access to the systems of government.

GOVERNANCE

This is the process of decision-making and it involves the process by which

decisions are carried out or not carried out. Governance may be good or bad, as
this will depend on what is happening in a country. It involves the
establishment of policies and continuous monitoring of their proper
implementation by the members of the governing body of an
organisation/country.

What factors are included in good governance? What are these attributes of
good governance?

In its own right, good governance is important as a determinant of the

sustainability and strength of democracies. The concept of good governance
has been explained by the work of the Commission on Human Rights. The
commission identified the following key attributes of good governance:
Transparency
Responsibility
Accountability
Participation
Responsiveness (to the needs of the people)

These attributes link good governance to an enabling environment conducive

to the enjoyment of human rights and “prompting growth and sustainable
human development”. Most writers on this topic see good governance as being
made up of eight major characteristics. It should be participatory,
consensus-oriented, accountable, transparent, responsive, effective and
efficient, equitable and inclusive, and follows the rule of law.
Good Governance assures that corruption is minimized in a country, and, in
many cases, prevented. The views of minorities are taken into account, as
victimisation is of great concern. The voices of the most vulnerable in society
are heard in decision-making. It also encourages sustainability, as it is reactive
to the current and potential needs of the society. It sees respect for human
rights as a very important aspect of society.

PARTICIPATION

Citizens’ opportunity to participate in their government is required for there to

be good governance. This participation may be direct, through institutions or
the duly elected representatives. Participation means that citizens are kept
informed and given a say in the direction of the country. Citizens must also be
able to enjoy freedom of association and expression, and live in an organized
and civil society.

RULE OF LAW/INDEPENDENCE OF THE JUDICIARY

Every society dreams, hopes for, welcomes a just and unswerving justice
system, which is necessary for good governance to be enforced impartially. It
will require the autonomy to exercise full protection of human rights and the
unbiased enforcement of the laws by an independent judiciary and, moreso, an
impartial and ethical police force.

TRANSPARENCY

Transparency gives the impression that decisions are being taken and enforced
in a manner that follows the rules and regulations in a country, and does not
do so discriminately. Information should be made available and accessible to
those who will be affected by such decisions. When a government is enforcing
ideas, there must be the use of a medium that is understood and accessible to
all citizens in the country.

RESPONSIVENESS TO THE NEEDS OF THE CITIZENS

Citizens should have confidence that development will enhance their quality of
life, that processes will be taken care of as they occur, and that their needs are
viewed as important and will be catered to in an opportune way. In a
democratic country, free and fair elections are a sure way of ensuring that the
wishes of citizens are met; if needs are not met continuously, then the
government may not win the next election.

CONSENSUS-ORIENTED/ CONSULTATION WITH CITIZENS

Cooperation is necessary in order to entertain the different interests in society

in order to attain consensus in society. Consensus is necessary to ascertain the
best interest of a country and how best it can be achieved.

EQUITY AND INCLUSIVENESS/ACCESS TO INFORMATION

The well-being of a society depends greatly on ensuring that all citizens feel
that they have a say in decisions taken in their country and do not in any way,
at any time, feel excluded from these decisions. Access to information will
allow for greater public participation in government and, thereby, strengthens
democracy in any country.

EFFECTIVENESS AND EFFICIENCY

Good governance means efficiency and good sense in

“Develop a passion for learning. If you do, you will never cease to grow.” –
Anthony J. D’Angelo.
In order to produce results that meet the needs of citizens, while making the
greatest use of resources at their disposal. The sustainable use of natural
resources is necessary, as is the protection of the environment, together with
the best possible use of the human resources.
ACCOUNTABILITY

Accountability is the key requirement in a country to produce good

governance. This takes in all sectors of a country, governmental institutions
and the private sector. All civil organizations must be accountable to the public
and to their stakeholders. Accountability in a country must use transparency as
a rule of law.

ACTIVITIES
1. Is there a difference between governance and good governance?
2. State three reasons why good governance is necessary in any
society/country.
3. Suggest and explain three practical ways in which good governance may be
carried out in a country.
4. How can you as a citizen promote good governance in your community

Edited by:
Opal Herdsman-Hall

Article Name:Governance

Publication:Jamaica Gleaner