Governance Governance is the system to steer a country. It is an act or process of governing. In narrow sense, it is understood as the functions of executive. But in broad sense governance is the totality of functions of all organs of government, constitutional bodies, civil society, private sector which directly or indirectly influence and enact policies and decisions concerning public life and social upliftment. Combination of Threat power, Economic power and Social energy can be understood as governance. Etymologically speaking the word governance is derived from Latin word Gubernare which means to steer or to rule. Therefore, governance is the system, process and procedure to steer any organization, institution, society or country. The conscious management of regime structures, with a view to enhancing the public realm is governance . The governance has become a useful mechanism to enhance the legitimacy of the public realm. It has also become an analytical framework or approach to comparative politics. It can be defined as the exercise of authority or power in order to manage a country’s economic, political and administrative affairs. Characteristics of Governance Participation All men and women should have a voice in decision-making, either directly or through legitimate intermediate institutions that represent their interests. Such broad participation is built on freedom of association and speech, as well as capacities to participate constructively. • Rule of law Legal frameworks should be fair and enforced impartially, particularly the laws on human rights. • Transparency Transparency is built on the free flow of information. Processes, institutions and information are directly accessible to those concerned with them, and enough information is provided to understand and monitor them. • Responsiveness Institutions and processes try to serve all stakeholders. • • Consensus orientation Good governance mediates differing interests to reach a broad consensus on what is in the best interests of the group and,. where possible, on policies and procedures. • Equity All men and women have opportunities to improve or maintain their well-being. • Effectiveness and efficiency Processes and institutions produce results that meet needs while making the best use of resources. • Accountability Decision-makers in government, the private sector and civil society organisations are accountable to the public, as well as to institutional stakeholders. This accountability differs depending on the organisations and whether the decision is internal or external to an organisation. • Strategic vision Leaders and the public have a broad and long-term perspective on good governance and human development, along with a sense of what is needed for such development. There is also an understanding of the historical, cultural and social complexities in which that perspective is grounded. Dimensions of governance The essential nature of governance is the structure of institutions and societal norms by which authority is exercised for everyones benefit at all levels, from local to global. The Three Dimensions of Governance Governance in general has, among others, three dimensions: • The political dimension - processes by which those in authority are selected elected, monitored and replaced. • The economic dimension - process by which public resources are effectively managed and sound policies implemented • The institutional dimension - processes by which citizens and the state itself respect the societys/public
Posted on: Sat, 30 Aug 2014 04:05:13 +0000