Governance and Good Governance: Concepts and Principles PDF

The Review of Contemporary Scientific and Academic Studies An International Multidisciplinary Online Journal ISSN: 2583-1380 Vol. 2 | Issue 6 | June 2022 www.thercsas.com Governance and...

The Review of Contemporary Scientific and Academic Studies An International Multidisciplinary Online Journal ISSN: 2583-1380 Vol. 2 | Issue 6 | June 2022 www.thercsas.com Governance and Good Governance: Concepts and Principles Adamel K. Lukman ([email protected]), ORCID: 0000-0001-9419-443X Mindanao State University, Sulu, Philippines Copyright: © 2022 by the authors. Licensee The RCSAS (ISSN: 2583-1380). This article is an open access article distributed under the terms and conditions of the Creative Commons Attribution Non-Commercial 4.0 International License. (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/). Crossref/DOI: https://doi.org/10.55454/rcsas.2.6.2022.006 Abstract: Governance encompasses all other stakeholders within the state, not just the government bureaucracy. The word "governance" within the traditional interpretation would imply government as an entire. It's during other factors that impact governance not only in its political sense that governance is going to be interpreted entirely. Governance refers to the process of governing societies in a situation where no single actor can claim absolute 1 dominance. In modern society, the state is transferring previously exclusive responsibilities to civil society, as a result of which the boundaries between the state and society are becoming increasingly blurred. The term "governance" refers to a group of institutions and actors within and outside of government. Governance emphasizes the importance of autonomous self-governing networks. It is possible to become a power center at a specific level if the power wielded by public or private institutions is recognized by the public. Good governance is the realization of how governments meet the needs of their citizens, regardless of affiliations, social statuses, or groups. The government's accountability and responsibilities to its citizens are met satisfactorily. Governing policies are fully applied in order to accomplish development, as opposed to preferential policies that favor only certain groups. Keywords: Governance, Government Bureaucracy, Governing Policies, Rule of Law I. Introduction What is Governance? Academicians and students of politics presumably understand the concepts and the underlying nature and principles of governance. Majority of individuals may find this word “Governance” unfamiliar or even they need the thought but do not necessarily fully understand the term in its entirety. Some people would equate governance to government. This paper tries to elucidate what governance and good governance means also on explicate the principles underlying governance and good governance. Let’s examine first, what is governance. The United Nations Development Program (UNDP) defined governance as the exercise of political, economic and administrative authority in the management of a country’s affair at all levels. Dannug (2005) acknowledges that “in the public sector, the governance perspective extends beyond traditional players and look at the development of broad range of non-state actors including business, media, civil society, and faith-based groups”. Governance encompasses all other stakeholders within the state, not just the government bureaucracy in carrying out its mandates. All of these parties play an important role in the state’s operations and administrations. Within which a theory is gaining traction that the success or failure of government is not exclusively dependent on the execution and application of the government’s policies or the implementation of the government’s programs, projects, and services. However, these other elements must be examined in order to understand how governance is defined in the framework of political authority, as well as how state and non-state actors see governance. In the 1990s, Western scholars gave different meanings and interpretations of the phrase. The word “governance” within the traditional interpretation would imply government as an entire, which is strictly confine as a political term, forgetting the social and economic spectrum, which features a strong relationships and implications with governance. It’s during this matter that among other factors that impact governance not only in its political sense but also in its social and economic aspects that governance is going to be interpreted entirely. As cited by P Katsamunska; 62: by A.M Kijar (2004, pp. 10-11) “governance is the capacity of a government to make and implement policy, in other words, to steer society”. The definition refers to more to traditional steering capacities of States and it introduces a crucial distinction between “old” and “new” governance. A traditional notion of steering by the national governments using a top-down approach may be inherent in the old governance, as well as the degree of control the government is positioned to have over social and economic activities. The new governance has more to try to interfere with interactions of the center with society and the center with self-steering in networks, because self-organizing networks can block implementation. “Governance refers to the process of governing societies in a situation __________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Governance and Good Governance: Concepts and Principles Adamel K. Lukman https://doi.org/10.55454/rcsas.2.6.2022.006  The Review of Contemporary Scientific and Academic Studies An International Multidisciplinary Online Journal ISSN: 2583-1380 Vol. 2 | Issue 6 | June 2022 www.thercsas.com where no single actor can claim absolute dominance.”Fazekas (2012) stated the four fundamental responsibilities of the state in his work Exploring the Complex Interaction between Governance and Knowledge: (1) articulating a common set of priorities for society; (2) providing coherence; (3) steering; and (4) accountability. He likewise state that in relation to these four key activities the state has been the dominant actor for some time, though it, by no means, can claim absolute dominance and in some cases societal actors bear stronger influence. The presence of government control and manipulation towards societal players in the form of policy identification, policy development, policy execution, and assessment that addresses a common set of aims for the betterment of society, including non-state actors, is viewed in this light. Though how governance affects and extends its power over society groups is defined by this process. However, depending on the conditions, beliefs, and goals of the sovereign people, societal actors can have a significant impact on the conduct of 2 governance in some cases. In his study “Governance and Good Governance: A New Framework for Political Analysis. Keping (2018) stated that scholars from many countries have come up with five major ideas on governance: 1. The term “governance refers to the power dynamics that exists in connection between institutions engaging in collective activity. To be more explicit, any organization dedicated to collective action must rely on other organizations, in order to fulfill its goal, it must trade resources and actors, as well as the rules of the game and the environment in which the exchange occurs. 2. In order to address social and economic concerns, governance acknowledges the blurring of boundaries and duties. It indicates that in modern society, the state is transferring previously exclusive responsibilities to civil society, as a result of which the boundaries between the state and society, as well as the public and private sectors, are becoming increasingly blurred, as are the definitions of responsibilities. 3. The term “governance” refers to a group of institutions and actors within and outside of government. It questions the state’s or government’s authority in the traditional sense, arguing that the government is not a state’s sole source of power. It is possible to become a power center at a specific level as long as the power wielded by public or private institutions is recognized by the public. 4. Governance emphasizes the importance of autonomous self-governing networks as such has the authority to issue orders in a certain sphere and the work with the government in this sphere and share its responsibilities for public administration. 5. Governance recognizes the capacity to get things done without relying on the power of government tools to command or use its authority. In public affairs management, there are other management tools and techniques and the Government has the responsibility to use them to steer and guide public affairs (Stoker 1999). II. What is Good Governance? Good Governance in the words of the UNCHR: Democracy, respect for all human rights and fundamental freedoms, including the right to development, transparent an accountable governance and administration in all sector of society, as well as active participation by civil society, are an essential part of the necessary foundations for the realization of social- and people- centered sustainable development. (Resolution, 1998/2).Good governance is the process measuring how public institutions conduct public affairs and manage public resources and guarantee the realization of human rights in a manner essentially free of abuse and corruption with due regard for the rule of law. (www.wikipedia.net). The realization of how governments meet the overall needs of their citizens, regardless of affiliations, social statuses, or groups, is the concept of good governance. The government’s accountability and responsibilities to its citizens are met satisfactorily. Governing policies are fully applied in order to accomplish development, as opposed to preferential policies that favor only certain groups. The World Bank defines good governance into two areas. First, the political system of an organization affects good governance. Establishing a strong power exercise mechanism by valid vote from the grass roots to the top and bringing an administrative scale for the improvement of the region by an institution or government. The systematic strategy to reformation for sustainable development is described by political power exercise. 2. Human progress requires social and economic resources, which are produced by good __________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Governance and Good Governance: Concepts and Principles Adamel K. Lukman https://doi.org/10.55454/rcsas.2.6.2022.006  The Review of Contemporary Scientific and Academic Studies An International Multidisciplinary Online Journal ISSN: 2583-1380 Vol. 2 | Issue 6 | June 2022 www.thercsas.com government. For the common man, the devised mechanism for generating a Social Progressive Climate for economic development is composite. Good governance refers to the government agencies conduct in implementing innovative policies and programs to increase the quality of public service with the ultimate aim of increasing economic growth (Grindle, 2004; Hellman, Jones, Kaufman and Scharkerman 2000; Rivera 2002). Government agencies that critical in achieving economic growth that leads to a good quality of life for its citizens should identify, prioritize, and actively implement new policies, but the issue that has to be answered in which creative policies perform best? Are these policies beneficial to the general public? Which policies should be avoided? In order to produce effective governance, the government should select which policies serve people’s needs and how they handle government aspects with such innovative policies. Roman R. Dannug in his book “Politics and Governance” expounded. The relationship between civil society and the state, the rulers and 3 the ruled, and the government and the governed is referred to as governance. It is the process of making group decisions in which the government may or may not play prominent or even minor role. In this approach, government is viewed as an instrument, with governance as part of the governing process. Transparency, accountability, openness, and the rule of law are the cornerstones of good governance. Specifically, a state pursuing good government would: actively combat corruption and the use of public office for private gain; improve democratic procedures institutions and principles, institute limited key terms for key public offices; reduce government size and function; remove economic controls; privatize state and parastatal enterprises; establish and maintain good governance institutions. III. 8 Principles of Good Governance Corporate governance, international governance, and local governance are all examples of how governance can be interpreted. This section will concentrate on the eight (8) principles of governance as they are practiced to a large extent in Asian settings. These principles are measured by parameters or areas. These are the primary areas that must be addressed in order to establish effective governance competence. The areas are as follows: Rule of Law, Transparency, Responsiveness, Consensus Oriented, Equity and Inclusiveness, Effectiveness and Efficiency, and Accountability. 1. Rule of Law Constitutional rule of law, Miyaoi’s prescription identifies four elements. Fair legal frameworks that serve as governing laws must apply to everyone in order to regulate behavior and enforce with impartiality, which everyone should follow. For full human rights protection as an aspect must be ensured. With an active presence of an impartiality and fair judgment, as well as incorruptible police forces to defend and uphold the legal system and its residents. (2005, Dannug) 2. Transparency The public should have access to all information, data, and facts. Unless, the law prohibits it, information that may have a direct impact on people’s interest should be readily accessible. Government employees, agents, and institutions must be equipped to make information available in a fair and timely manner, and governmental institutions and leaders must be willing to listen to and accept ideas and proposals. 3. Responsiveness In a democratic state, one way of serving people is to attempt to deliver, serve state actors with interests, and be served with the highest attention and care, with effective implementation and close monitoring of the process. 4. Consensus Oriented Good governance brings together various interests in order to reach a comprehensive and optimal agreement for community groups, particularly in terms of policies and procedures. (Dailiati et al., 2018) 6. Equity and Inclusiveness Good governance should contribute to a society’s well-being, which means that all members of society should feel included in the mainstream. All groups, especially the most vulnerable, should be able to enhance or maintain their well-being. (2005, R. Dannug) __________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Governance and Good Governance: Concepts and Principles Adamel K. Lukman https://doi.org/10.55454/rcsas.2.6.2022.006  The Review of Contemporary Scientific and Academic Studies An International Multidisciplinary Online Journal ISSN: 2583-1380 Vol. 2 | Issue 6 | June 2022 www.thercsas.com 7. Effectiveness and Efficiency Performance management and services that create desired results or effects are given in this field. There is a deliberate use of resources and people that produces a productive effect with results that fulfill the planned goals. 8. Accountability All government institutions, state actors, and private sectors should be held accountable for their decisions and actions, as these can have an impact on both public and private stakeholders, collective or individual, and as a result, all decisions and actions should be explained and binding in order to avoid violating civil rights principles and practices. IV. Conclusion 4 The goal of this literature study is to assist readers comprehend governance and good governance concepts and principles. Many people have grasped the concept from many perspectives on governance and good governance that have been established and studied from various literatures and narratives, and understood in various situations and applications. The concepts and principles of governance, as well as good governance in general, have been educated to state institutions, actors, and non-actors. However, while there has been a lot of study done on governance and good governance, what is missing is the right identification, formulation, and execution of policies that would assist address the problems in the plain political domain of governance, which is essential for good governance. Recognizing and comprehending the governance shortcomings based on the major areas indicated in the principles of good governance can assist in addressing the deficiencies or problems and establishing objectives for the welfare and development of society. Future research may concentrate on the proper policy identification of governments based on the various key areas of good governance in order to uncover potential loopholes and, untimely, find solutions for the government’s reformation in order to achieve human progress and long –term development for the state and its citizens. References 1. Dannug, R. R. (2005) Politics and governance. Dannug&Campanilla Printing Press, Quezon City, Manila 2. Fazekas, M and T. Burns (2012), “Exploring the Complex Interaction Between Governance and Knowledge in Education”, OECD Education Working papers, No.67, OECD Publishing 3. Katsamunska, P. The concept of governance and public governance theories. Econ. Altern. 2016, 2, 133-141. [Google Scholar] 4. Keping, Y. Governance and Good Governance: A New Framework for Political Analysis. Fudan J. Hum. Soc. Sci. 11, 1-8 (2018) https://doi.org/ 10.1007/s40647-017-0197-4 5. Nederhand, J., Klijn, EH., van der Steen, M. et al. The governance of self-organization: Which strategy do policy officials and citizens prefe? Policy Sci52, 233-253 (2019). https://doi.org/ 10.1007/ s11077-018-9342-4 6. OECD. OECD Database. 2019 available online: https://data.oecd.org/ 7. Surya Dailiatiet al2018 IOP Conf.Ser.: Earth Environ. Sci. 175 012097 8. World Bank. Worldwide Governance Indicators (WGI). 2019. Available online: http:// info. Worldbank. Org/ governance/ wgi/ Websites https:// www.parlicentr.org/Governance.php https:// repository.up.ac.za/ bitstream/handle/2263/25138/04 chapter 4pdf? sequence=5 https//link. springer. com/ article/ 10.1007/ s 40647-017-0197-4/ https://www.Undp.Org/ content/ dam/ undp/ library/ poverty%20reduction/ inclusive% 20development/Towards%20Human%20Resilience/Towards_SustainingMDGIProgress_Ch8.pdf https://www.unhcr.org/tr/en/governance-and-organization __________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Governance and Good Governance: Concepts and Principles Adamel K. Lukman https://doi.org/10.55454/rcsas.2.6.2022.006