Week 2: Foundation of Governance PDF

Week 2: Foundation of Governance Prof. Ivy M. Boca Polytechnic University of the Philippines Sta. Mesa, Manila Learning Objectives: At the end of the lesson, the student should be able to: 1. Explain the significance of the rise of governance as a phenomenon. 2. I...

Week 2: Foundation of Governance Prof. Ivy M. Boca Polytechnic University of the Philippines Sta. Mesa, Manila Learning Objectives: At the end of the lesson, the student should be able to: 1. Explain the significance of the rise of governance as a phenomenon. 2. Identify the activities encompassed in the act of governing; 3. Discuss the meaning and origin of sustainable human development; 4. Discuss the significance/essence of governance in the development process; 5. Trace the evolution of public management which led to the definition of governance; 6. Compare and contrast the concept of governance and new public management (NPM); Prof. Ivy M. Boca - Polytechnic University of the 2 Philippines Sta. Mesa, Manila THE CONCEPT OF GOVERNANCE ⮚ Government” and “Governance” are interchangeably used, both denoting the exercise of authority in an organization, institution or state. ⮚ Government is the name given to the entity exercising that authority. ⮚ Authority define as legitimate power. Power is the ability to influence the behavior of others. ⮚ Authority is the right to do so. Authority is therefore the based on an acknowledged duty to obey rather than on any form of coercion or manipulation. Prof. Ivy M. Boca - Polytechnic University of the 3 Philippines Sta. Mesa, Manila 3 Kinds of Authority – Max Weber Max Weber – Sociologist Theory of Social and Political Organization. This explain how power and legitimacy are exercised in different societies. Traditional Authority This type of authority is based on longstanding customs, traditions, and accepted practices. People obey leaders because that is how things have always been done. Example: Monarchies or tribal leadership where authority is inherited through family lineage. Prof. Ivy M. Boca - Polytechnic University of the 4 Philippines Sta. Mesa, Manila  Charismatic Authority Charismatic authority arises from the personal qualities or charisma of a leader, who inspires and gains devotion from followers. The leader's personal charm and extraordinary traits are the source of their legitimacy. Example: Revolutionary leaders like Mahatma Gandhi or military leaders like Napoleon Bonaparte. Prof. Ivy M. Boca - Polytechnic University of the 5 Philippines Sta. Mesa, Manila  Legal-Rational Authority This authority is based on formal rules, laws, and established procedures. Leaders derive their authority from the position they hold within a structured system rather than from personal qualities or tradition. Example: Bureaucratic institutions, democratic governments, and legal systems where authority is granted through a constitution or legislation. Prof. Ivy M. Boca - Polytechnic University of the 6 Philippines Sta. Mesa, Manila  To study government is to study the exercise of authority. (Heywood, 1997). Government is closely related to politics. Politics is the art of government, the exercise of control within the society through the making and enforcement of collective decisions. (Heywood 1997). The institutions of the state (the apparatus of the government, the courts, the police, the army, the society-security system and so forth) can be regarded as “public” in the sense that they are responsible for the collective organization of the community life. Moreover, they are funded at the public’s expense, out of taxation. Prof. Ivy M. Boca - Polytechnic University of the 7 Philippines Sta. Mesa, Manila  In contrast, civil society consists of what Raymund Burke called the little platoons, institutions such as the family and kinship groups, private businesses, trade unions, clubs, community groups and so on that are private in the sense that they are set up and funded by individual citizens. Since, the government doesn’t only decide for all and the civil society and the private sectors play vital role in the community, thus, the conception of the word “governance”. Governance is a broader term than government. In its widest sense, it refers to the various ways in which social life is coordinated. Government can therefore be seen as one of the institutions in governance; it is possible to have governance without government. (Heywood, 1997). Prof. Ivy M. Boca - Polytechnic University of the 8 Philippines Sta. Mesa, Manila Governance: Varying Definitions 1. “The traditions and institutions by which authority in a country is exercised” Kaufman et.al 2. The way “ … power is exercised through a country’s economic, , and social institutions.” – the World Bank’s PRSP Handbook. 3. “The sound exercise of political, economic, and administrative authority to manage a country’s resources for development. It involves the institutionalization of a system through which citizens, institutions, organizations, and groups in a society articulate their interests, exercise their rights, and mediate their differences in pursuit of the collective good “(Country Governance Assessment 2005). Prof. Ivy M. Boca - Polytechnic University of the 9 Philippines Sta. Mesa, Manila 4. “The exercise of economic, political, and administrative authority to manage a country’s affairs at all levels. It comprises mechanisms, processes, and institutions through which citizens and groups articulate their interests, exercise their legal rights, meet their obligations, and mediate their differences.” UNDP. 5. In governance, citizens are rightly concerned with a government’s responsiveness to their needs and protection of their rights. In general, governance issues pertain to the ability of government to develop an efficient, effective, and accountable public management process that is open to citizen participation and that strengthens rather than weakens a democratic system of government. “ The USAID, Office of Democracy & Governance. Prof. Ivy M. Boca - Polytechnic University of the 10 Philippines Sta. Mesa, Manila 6. Refers to how any organization, including a nation, is run. It includes all the processes, systems, and controls that are used to safeguard and grow assets.” (UNDP, 1997). 7. “The systems, processes and procedures put in place to steer the direction, management and accountability of an organization.” Birmingham City Council. When applied to organizations that operate commercially, governance is often termed "corporate governance" 8. “Promoting fairness, transparency and accountability" – World Bank Prof. Ivy M. Boca - Polytechnic University of the 11 Philippines Sta. Mesa, Manila 9. "a system by which business organizations are directed and controlled".- OECD 10. “the manner in which power is exercised in the management of a country’s social and economic resources for development. It is referred to as the quality of the institutions to make, implement and enforce sound policies in an efficient, effective, equitable and inclusive man The Asian Development Bank (ADB). 11. In broad terms, governance is about the institutional environment in which citizens interact among themselves and with government agencies/officials. (ADB, 2005). Prof. Ivy M. Boca - Polytechnic University of the 12 Philippines Sta. Mesa, Manila 12. The process of decision-making and the process by which decisions are implemented (or not implemented). Governance can be used in several contexts such as corporate governance, international governance, national governance and local governance. 13. The interactions among structures, processes and traditions that determine how power and responsibilities are exercised, how decisions are taken, and how citizens or other stakeholders have their say. Fundamentally, it is about power, relationships and accountability: who has influence, who decides, and how decision-makers are held accountable. (IOG 2003) Prof. Ivy M. Boca - Polytechnic University of the 13 Philippines Sta. Mesa, Manila 14. “as the exercise of economic, political and administrative authority to manage the nation’s affairs at all levels. It comprises of mechanisms, processes and institutions through which citizens and groups articulate their interests, exercise their legal rights and obligations and mediate their differences. Governance is not the sole domain of government but transcends government to encompass the business sector and the civil society. NEDA (2006) Prof. Ivy M. Boca - Polytechnic University of the 14 Philippines Sta. Mesa, Manila 15. The Institute on Governance defines governance as the process whereby societies or organizations make their important decisions, determine who has voice, who is engaged in the process and how account is rendered. (IOG, 2006) The Institute also provides a framework to further establish the concept of governance. The need for governance exists anytime a group of people come together to accomplish an end. Most agree that the central component of governance is decision making. It is the process through which this group of people make decisions that direct their collective efforts. Prof. Ivy M. Boca - Polytechnic University of the 15 Philippines Sta. Mesa, Manila  One simple definition of governance is "the art of steering societies and organizations." Governance is about the more strategic aspects of steering, making the larger decisions about both direction and roles. These multiple actors are the organization's stakeholders. They articulate their interests; influence how decisions are made, who the decision-makers are and what decisions are taken. Prof. Ivy M. Boca - Polytechnic University of the 16 Philippines Sta. Mesa, Manila  Decision-makers must absorb this input into the decision- making process. Decision- makers are then accountable to those same stakeholders for the organization's output and the process of producing it. Prof. Ivy M. Boca - Polytechnic University of the 17 Philippines Sta. Mesa, Manila Governance According to UNDP The challenge for all societies is to create a system of governance that promotes supports and sustains human development - especially for the poorest and most marginal. But the search for a clearly articulated concept of governance has just begun. Good governance is, among other things, participatory, transparent and accountable. It is also effective and equitable. And it promotes the rule of law. Good governance ensures that political, social and economic priorities are based on broad consensus in society and that the voices of the poorest and the most vulnerable are heard in decision-making over the allocation of development resources. Prof. Ivy M. Boca - Polytechnic University of the 18 Philippines Sta. Mesa, Manila 3 Legs of Governance 1. Economic- Economic governance includes decision-making processes that affect a country's economic activities and its relationships with other economies. It clearly has major implications for equity, poverty and quality of life. 2. Political governance is the process of decision-making to formulate policy. 3. Administrative governance is the system of policy implementation. Encompassing all three, good governance defines the processes and structures that guide political and socio-economic relationships. Prof. Ivy M. Boca - Polytechnic University of the 19 Philippines Sta. Mesa, Manila  Governance encompasses the state, but it transcends the state by including the private sector and civil society organizations. What constitutes the state is widely debated. Here, the state is defined to include political and public sector institutions. UNDP's primary interest lies in how effectively the state serves the needs of its people. The private sector covers private enterprises (manufacturing, trade, banking, cooperatives and so on) and the informal sector in the marketplace. Some say that the private sector is part of civil society. But the private sector is separate to the extent that private sector players influence social, economic and political policies in ways that create a more conducive environment for the marketplace and enterprises. Prof. Ivy M. Boca - Polytechnic University of the 20 Philippines Sta. Mesa, Manila  Civil society, lying between the individual and the state, comprises individuals and groups (organized or unorganized) interacting socially, politically and economically - regulated by formal and informal rules and laws. Prof. Ivy M. Boca - Polytechnic University of the 21 Philippines Sta. Mesa, Manila GOVERNANCE & SUSTAINABLE HUMAN DEVELOPMENT: UNDP believes that developing the capacity of good governance is the primordial way to eliminate poverty. Notions of good governance and the link between governance and sustainable human development vary greatly, however, both in academic literature and among development practitioners (UNDP, 1997). Governance involves the systems, processes, and practices through which power and authority are exercised in managing public resources and making decisions. Good governance is characterized by transparency, accountability, participation, rule of law, and responsiveness. Prof. Ivy M. Boca - Polytechnic University of the 22 Philippines Sta. Mesa, Manila SUSTAINABLE HUMAN DEVELOPMENT Human development as expanding the choices for all people in society. This means that men and women - particularly the poor and vulnerable - are at the center of the development process. It also means "protection of the life opportunities of future generations...and...the natural systems on which all life depends" (UNDP, Human Development Report 1996). This makes the central purpose of development the creation of an enabling environment in which all can enjoy long, healthy and creative lives. Prof. Ivy M. Boca - Polytechnic University of the 23 Philippines Sta. Mesa, Manila  Economic growth is a means to sustainable human development - not an end in itself. Human Development Report 1996 showed that economic growth does not automatically lead to sustainable human development and the elimination of poverty. For example, countries that do well when ranked by per capita income often slip down the ladder when ranked by the human development index. There are, moreover, marked disparities within countries - rich and poor alike - and these become striking when human development among indigenous peoples and ethnic minorities is evaluated separately. Prof. Ivy M. Boca - Polytechnic University of the 24 Philippines Sta. Mesa, Manila 5 Aspects of Sustainable Development 1. Empowerment - The expansion of men and women's capabilities and choices increases their ability to exercise those choices free of hunger, want and deprivation. It also increases their opportunity to participate in, or endorse, decision-making affecting their lives. 2. Co-operation - With a sense of belonging important for personal fulfillment, wellbeing and a sense of purpose and meaning, human development is concerned with the ways in which people work together and interact. 3. Equity - The expansion of capabilities and opportunities means more than income - it also means equity, such as an educational system to which everybody should have access. Prof. Ivy M. Boca - Polytechnic University of the 25 Philippines Sta. Mesa, Manila 4. Sustainability - The needs of this generation must be met without compromising the right of future generations to be free of poverty and deprivation and to exercise their basic capabilities. 5. Security - Particularly the security of livelihood. People need to be freed from threats, such as disease or repression and from sudden harmful disruptions in their lives. UNDP focuses on four critical elements of sustainable human development: eliminating poverty, creating jobs and sustaining livelihoods, protecting and regenerating the environment, and promoting the advancement of women. Developing the capacities for good governance underpins all these objectives. Prof. Ivy M. Boca - Polytechnic University of the 26 Philippines Sta. Mesa, Manila 4 Critical elements of Sustainable Human Development 1. Eliminating poverty 2. Creating jobs and sustaining livelihoods 3. Protecting and regenerating the environment 4. Promoting the advancement of women. Developing the capacities for good governance underpins all these objective Source: Governance for Sustainable Human Development (1997) A UNDP Policy Document United Nations Development Programme Internet Source: http://magnet.undp.org/policy Prof. Ivy M. Boca - Polytechnic University of the 27 Philippines Sta. Mesa, Manila Sustainable Human Development Sustainable human development focuses on improving the quality of life for individuals while ensuring that resources are used in a way that meets present needs without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. It encompasses economic, social, and environmental dimensions, aiming for: 1.Economic Growth: Promoting economic opportunities and prosperity. 2.Social Inclusion: Ensuring equity, reducing poverty, and promoting social justice. 3.Environmental Sustainability: Protecting natural resources and addressing environmental challenges. Prof. Ivy M. Boca - Polytechnic University of the 28 Philippines Sta. Mesa, Manila Link Between Governance and Sustainable Human Development 1. Effective Policy-Making: Good governance ensures that policies and strategies for human development are well-designed, evidence-based, and aligned with sustainability principles. 2. Transparency and Accountability: Transparent governance structures build trust and ensure that resources are used effectively for development goals, reducing corruption and mismanagement. 3. Stakeholder Participation: Involving various stakeholders in decision-making processes helps in identifying and addressing the needs of different communities, ensuring that development efforts are inclusive and equitable. Prof. Ivy M. Boca - Polytechnic University of the 29 Philippines Sta. Mesa, Manila  4. Rule of Law: Upholding the rule of law and ensuring that legal frameworks support sustainable practices and human rights contributes to creating a stable environment for development. 5. Resource Management: Good governance involves efficient management of resources, including environmental resources, which is crucial for achieving sustainable development. 6. Monitoring and Evaluation: Effective governance includes monitoring and evaluating development programs to ensure they achieve desired outcomes and adapt to changing conditions and challenges. Prof. Ivy M. Boca - Polytechnic University of the 30 Philippines Sta. Mesa, Manila Examples of Governance for Sustainable Human Development: 1. Participatory Governance: Engaging communities in planning and decision-making processes for projects that impact their lives. 2. Integrated Policy Frameworks: Creating policies that address economic, social, and environmental aspects simultaneously, such as sustainable urban planning and climate-resilient infrastructure. 3. Capacity Building: Strengthening institutions and human resources to improve governance and development outcomes. Prof. Ivy M. Boca - Polytechnic University of the 31 Philippines Sta. Mesa, Manila New Public Management (NPM): Relationship with Governance The evolution of New Public Management (NPM) and its relationship with the definition of governance reflects a shift from traditional bureaucratic models of public administration toward more flexible, market-driven approaches. This transformation occurred over several decades, with key developments that influenced the emergence of governance as a broader concept in public administration. Prof. Ivy M. Boca - Polytechnic University of the 32 Philippines Sta. Mesa, Manila 1. Traditional Public Administration (Pre-1970s) Characteristics: Public administration was largely influenced by Max Weber's ideas of bureaucracy, emphasizing hierarchical structures, rule-based decision-making, and a clear separation between politics and administration. Focus: The role of government was to provide public goods and services through centralized control, with an emphasis on legality, stability, and accountability. Limitations: This approach was criticized for inefficiency, rigidity, and an inability to adapt to changing social and economic environments. Prof. Ivy M. Boca - Polytechnic University of the 33 Philippines Sta. Mesa, Manila 2. New Public Management (1970s-1990s) Emergence: In the 1970s, governments, particularly in the UK and the US, faced economic crises, rising deficits, and growing dissatisfaction with the performance of public bureaucracies. NPM emerged in response to these challenges, influenced by neoliberalism and public choice theory. Key Features: Market-Oriented Reforms: NPM applied private-sector management techniques to the public sector. It emphasized efficiency, competition, customer orientation, and results-based accountability. Prof. Ivy M. Boca - Polytechnic University of the 34 Philippines Sta. Mesa, Manila  Decentralization and Outsourcing: NPM advocated for decentralizing government functions and outsourcing to private firms or non- governmental organizations. Performance Measurement: Focus shifted from processes to outcomes, with performance metrics, audits, and evaluations playing a central role in assessing the success of public programs. Impacts: This approach brought about cost-cutting, more flexible public service delivery, and a focus on innovation. However, it also led to criticisms, particularly regarding the erosion of public accountability and equity in service provision. Prof. Ivy M. Boca - Polytechnic University of the 35 Philippines Sta. Mesa, Manila 3. Criticisms of New Public Management Shortcomings: While NPM achieved some success in improving efficiency, it also faced criticisms for reducing the democratic legitimacy of public services. Some argued that NPM was too focused on economic efficiency and neglected social values like equity, participation, and accountability. Complexity of Modern Problems: The growing complexity of public policy issues, such as climate change, global health, and inequality, demanded a more inclusive and holistic approach. This recognition laid the foundation for the concept of governance. Prof. Ivy M. Boca - Polytechnic University of the 36 Philippines Sta. Mesa, Manila 4. The Emergence of Governance (1990s-Present) Governance as a Broader Concept: Governance evolved as a response to the limitations of NPM, expanding the focus beyond just managerial reforms to include the processes and mechanisms through which various actors—government, private sector, and civil society—interact to solve public problems. Prof. Ivy M. Boca - Polytechnic University of the 37 Philippines Sta. Mesa, Manila From NPM to Governance Shift in Focus: While NPM focused on improving efficiency through market mechanisms and managerial techniques, governance expanded this focus to include collaborative processes and the role of diverse actors in policy implementation. Governance as a Response: Governance responded to the fragmented nature of public service delivery under NPM by promoting coherence, integration, and shared responsibility among various sectors. Prof. Ivy M. Boca - Polytechnic University of the 38 Philippines Sta. Mesa, Manila  Public Value: Governance shifts attention to the broader goal of creating public value, rather than simply improving efficiency. The evolution from New Public Management to governance represents a shift from a focus on managerialism and efficiency to a more inclusive, collaborative, and network-based approach to public administration. Governance emphasizes the role of multiple actors and the importance of democratic values, accountability, and citizen participation, recognizing the complexity of modern public challenges. Prof. Ivy M. Boca - Polytechnic University of the 39 Philippines Sta. Mesa, Manila Relationship of Governance & the New Public Management The governance approach is seen as a “new process of governing, or a changed condition of ordered rule; or the new method by which society is governed” (Stoker, 1998, p. 17). Prof. Ivy M. Boca - Polytechnic University of the 40 Philippines Sta. Mesa, Manila Relationship of Governance & the New Public Management Governance refers to the development of governing styles in which boundaries between and within public and private sectors have become blurred. Governance …is more than a new set of managerial tools. It is also about more than achieving greater efficiency in the production of public services (1998, p. 17-18). Peters and Pierre agree, saying that governance is about process, while NPM is about outcomes (1998, p. Prof. Ivy M. Boca - Polytechnic University of the 41 Philippines Sta. Mesa, Manila  Governance is ultimately concerned with creating the conditions for ordered rule and collective action (Stoker, 1998; Peters and Pierre, 1998; Milward and Provan, 2000). NPM as a series of innovations that – considered collectively – embody public choice approaches, transaction-cost relationships, and preferences for efficiency over equity. notes, the outputs of governance are not different from those of government; it is instead a matter of a difference in processes (1998, p. 17). Prof. Ivy M. Boca - Polytechnic University of the 42 Philippines Sta. Mesa, Manila 1. Governance refers to institutions and actors from within and beyond government. 2. Governance identifies the blurring of boundaries and responsibilities for tackling social and economic issues. 3. Governance identifies the power dependence involved in the relationships between institutions involved in collective action. 4. Governance is about autonomous self-governing networks of actors. 5. Governance recognizes the capacity to get things done which does not rest on the power of government to command or use its authority. Prof. Ivy M. Boca - Polytechnic University of the 43 Philippines Sta. Mesa, Manila  Theories and evaluation of governance Theories and evaluation of governance encompass a range of approaches that help understand and assess how governance systems function, their effectiveness, and their impact on society. Here’s an overview of key theories and methods used to evaluate governance: Theories of Governance 1. Traditional Public Administration Theory Overview: Focuses on hierarchical structures, rules, and procedures for managing public institutions. Emphasizes the role of bureaucracies in implementing policies. Key Proponents: Max Weber (bureaucratic model), Woodrow Wilson (public administration as a field). 2. New Public Management (NPM) Overview: Advocates for applying private sector management practices to public administration to improve efficiency and effectiveness. Emphasizes results-oriented performance and customer service. Key Proponents: David Osborne and Ted Gaebler (authors of "Reinventing Government"). Prof. Ivy M. Boca - Polytechnic University of the 44 Philippines Sta. Mesa, Manila 3. Governance Theory Overview: Moves beyond the traditional government-centric view to include multiple actors such as non-governmental organizations, private sector, and civil society. Focuses on networked and collaborative approaches. Key Proponents: Jon Pierre and B. Guy Peters ("Governance, Politics, and the State") 4. Public Value Theory Overview: Centers on the idea that public organizations should create value for society, balancing efficiency with the public interest. Emphasizes the role of public managers in delivering outcomes that matter to citizens. Key Proponents: Mark Moore ("Creating Public Value: Strategic Management in Government"). Prof. Ivy M. Boca - Polytechnic University of the 45 Philippines Sta. Mesa, Manila 5. Participatory Governance Overview: Stresses the involvement of citizens and stakeholders in decision- making processes to enhance democracy and legitimacy. Focuses on inclusive and transparent governance practices. Key Proponents: Robert Putnam ("Bowling Alone: The Collapse and Revival of American Community"). 6. Network Governance Overview: Highlights the role of networks of actors (government, private sector, civil society) in governance. Focuses on coordination, collaboration, and shared responsibility. Key Proponents: Christopher Klijn and Joop Koppenjan ("Governance Networks in the Public Sector"). Prof. Ivy M. Boca - Polytechnic University of the 46 Philippines Sta. Mesa, Manila The Art of Governing Refers to the complex and skilled practice of managing and directing public affairs, balancing the interests of various stakeholders, and maintaining order while promoting the well-being of society. It involves more than just implementing laws and policies; it requires a deep understanding of politics, power dynamics, human behavior, and effective decision- making processes. To govern is to exercise power and authority over a territory, system or organization. This applies to both government and governance. The exercise of authority is uppermost in government and remains significance in governance but is no longer the single focus. This is because the power in governance is not so much wielded as shared and authority is defined not so much by control of the ruler as by the consent and participation of the governed. Prof. Ivy M. Boca - Polytechnic University of the 47 Philippines Sta. Mesa, Manila Government Government rules and controls A government that rules relies on force to exact compliance, and we know from introductory from the introductory political science that the state has the monopoly of legitimate violence. It enacts laws binding on all the inhabitants and metes out sanctions according to these laws. It delivers services to passive recipients who have little influence in the definition of the programs or their eligibility requirement and methods. To control is not to manage, To control is to direct what each part of the system must do. Prof. Ivy M. Boca - Polytechnic University of the 48 Philippines Sta. Mesa, Manila Government Controlling assumes a law (using the term in scientific sense) government can have a connotation of being interested only in maintenance and in preserving peace and order. Governance is the process whereby elements in society wield power and authority, and influence and enact policies and decisions concerning public life, economic and social development.” This shows that the concept is indeed a product of the late twentieth century when development became a preoccupation of societies and states. Prof. Ivy M. Boca - Polytechnic University of the 49 Philippines Sta. Mesa, Manila Governance It orchestrates and manages To orchestrate is to call on everyone to play a part in moving the society. Power rests on the trust the players have on the director and on each other. Because built on trust, transparency in the conduct of governing is essential. Laws still bind all, but they are laws they had a part in bringing about. Accountability is shared, and they who have the greatest power bear the greater responsibility. Prof. Ivy M. Boca - Polytechnic University of the 50 Philippines Sta. Mesa, Manila GOVERNANCE but to manage is to act on a hypothesis. Governance chooses management over control because its system is permeable, admits outside the influences, assumes no omnipotence or omniscience on the part of the decision- maker, and subjects decisions to the evaluation and critique of all those with a stake in them. governance implies leadership toward societal development. Prof. Ivy M. Boca - Polytechnic University of the 51 Philippines Sta. Mesa, Manila The Need for Good Governance: Why Governance Matters? Good governance creates a strong future for an organization by continuously steering towards a vision and making sure that day-to-day management is always lined up with the organization’s goals. At its core, governance is about leadership. The Rights-Based Approach to governance implies that the holders of rights should also participate fully in deciding how those rights are fulfilled, such as through participation and greater empowerment. Prof. Ivy M. Boca - Polytechnic University of the 52 Philippines Sta. Mesa, Manila Key elements of the Art of Governing 1. Strategic Leadership- Effective governance requires visionary leadership that can set clear goals, inspire others, and navigate the complexities of policy-making. Leaders must balance long-term strategic goals with immediate needs and crises. 2. Decision-Making and Policy Implementation - Governing involves making informed and timely decisions that reflect the needs and aspirations of the people. It also requires the ability to implement these decisions through public institutions and bureaucracies effectively. 3. Negotiation and Consensus-Building - In democratic societies, governing often requires reaching consensus among different interest groups, political parties, and civil society organizations. Negotiation and compromise are essential to ensure policies are broadly accepted. Prof. Ivy M. Boca - Polytechnic University of the 53 Philippines Sta. Mesa, Manila 4. Public Engagement and Legitimacy Successful governance depends on engaging citizens, fostering public trust, and ensuring transparency. Governing bodies must be responsive to public demands and maintain legitimacy by upholding democratic principles and the rule of law. 5. Balancing Power and Authority The art of governing involves carefully managing the use of power and authority. This includes ensuring checks and balances within government structures and preventing abuses of power while maintaining stability and order. Prof. Ivy M. Boca - Polytechnic University of the 54 Philippines Sta. Mesa, Manila 6. Adaptability and Problem-Solving Governing is dynamic, requiring leaders to adapt to changing social, economic, and political conditions. Leaders must also possess strong problem-solving skills to address emerging challenges, from economic crises to social unrest and technological advancements. 7. Ethics and Integrity Governing requires a strong commitment to ethical principles, such as justice, fairness, and accountability. Leaders must maintain integrity and prioritize the public interest over personal or political gain. Prof. Ivy M. Boca - Polytechnic University of the 55 Philippines Sta. Mesa, Manila References: Governance for Sustainable Human Development (1997) A UNDP Policy Document United Nations Development Programme Internet Source: http://magnet.undp.org/policy https://iog.ca/ Prof. Ivy M. Boca - Polytechnic University of the 56 Philippines Sta. Mesa, Manila