Good Governance

Eight Elements of Good Governance

Good governance has 8 major characteristics. It is participatory, consensus oriented, accountable,

transparent, responsive, effective and efficient, equitable and inclusive, and follows the rule of law.

Good governance is responsive to the present and future needs of the organization, exercises

prudence in policy-setting and decision-making, and that the best interests of all stakeholders are

taken into account.

1. Rule of Law

Good governance requires fair legal frameworks that are enforced by an impartial regulatory body,

for the full protection of stakeholders.

2. Transparency

Transparency means that information should be provided in easily understandable forms and

media; that it should be freely available and directly accessible to those who will be affected by

governance policies and practices, as well as the outcomes resulting therefrom; and that any

decisions taken and their enforcement are in compliance with established rules and regulations.

3. Responsiveness

Good governance requires that organizations and their processes are designed to serve the best

interests of stakeholders within a reasonable timeframe.

4. Consensus Oriented

Good governance requires consultation to understand the different interests of stakeholders in

order to reach a broad consensus of what is in the best interest of the entire stakeholder group and

how this can be achieved in a sustainable and prudent manner.

5. Equity and Inclusiveness

The organization that provides the opportunity for its stakeholders to maintain, enhance, or

generally improve their well-being provides the most compelling message regarding its reason for

existence and value to society.

6. Effectiveness and Efficiency

Good governance means that the processes implemented by the organization to produce favorable

results meet the needs of its stakeholders, while making the best use of resources – human,

technological, financial, natural and environmental – at its disposal.

7. Accountability

Accountability is a key tenet of good governance. Who is accountable for what should be

documented in policy statements. In general, an organization is accountable to those who will be

affected by its decisions or actions as well as the applicable rules of law.

8. Participation

Participation by both men and women, either directly or through legitimate representatives, is a key

cornerstone of good governance. Participation needs to be informed and organized, including

freedom of expression and assiduous concern for the best interests of the organization and society

in general.

Towards Improved Governance:

 

Good governance is an ideal which is difficult to achieve in its totality. Governance typically involves

well-intentioned people who bring their ideas, experiences, preferences and other human

strengths and shortcomings to the policy-making table. Good governance is achieved through an

on-going discourse that attempts to capture all of the considerations involved in assuring that

stakeholder interests are addressed and reflected in policy initiatives.