What is Good Governance

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What do you think good governance
is when you hear that expression in
everyday life?

What good governance means to
you?
Practical Exercise
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Governance
common definitions
United Nations Development Programme:

Exercise of economic, political and
administrative authority to manage a
countrys affairs at all levels.
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World Bank:
Manner in which power is exercised in the
management of a countrys economic and
social resources.
Form of political regime
Process by which authority is exercised
Capacity of the governments to design,
formulate and implement policies
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Governance
common definitions
Principles of Good Governance

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How do you think these principles can be
implemented in your organization? What are
the mechanisms that can ensure
implementation of this principle?
Group 1 - Participatory, Rule of Law
Group 2 - Consensus oriented, Accountable
Group 3 - Transparent, Responsive
Group 4 - Effective and Efficient, Equitable
and Inclusive
Practical Exercise
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Board Members (1/7)
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Fundamentals of the Role
Governance
oversee the business of the
organization/agency
Statutory responsibility
legislative mandate
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Board Members (3/7)
Roles and Responsibilities
Carry out governance functions
Delegate appropriately
Prepare for meetings
Be knowledgeable and objective about
the issues/facts
Participate and share your unique
expertise and experience -- and vote


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Board Members (4/7)
Characteristics Contributing to
Effectiveness (1/2)
Clear, well understood Mission, vision
and strategies
Activities support mandate of serving
the public interest
Board meets mandate and
performance

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Characteristics Contributing to
Effectiveness (2/2)
Members, Key stakeholders satisfied with
performance.
Networks & processes monitor trends and
issues.
Right information, Right time for
decisions.
The board represents a diversity of
perspectives/views.
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Long and short term (strategic) planning
Policy
Allocation of financial resources (fiscal
oversight)
Organizational performance
Leader/manager
the organization/agency
board functioning
Board Members (6/7)
Decision Making
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Building Effective Relationships
Identify your stakeholders -- internal and
external
Understand their respective mandates
Determine the goal, e.g.,
partnership on a common objective?
communication/information?
exchange of ideas?
Remember your mandate -- public interest


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Healthy Board Member
Top Ten Commandments
Thou shalt honor thy community
Thou shalt be honest and fair to those who serve you
Thou shalt not forsake thy job for political gain
Thou shalt evaluate fairly those who serve you
Thou shalt be an informed, active member
Thou shalt not micro-manage
Thou shalt keep thy mouth shut about closed sessions
Thou art only one board member, not the big cheese
Thou shalt be prepared for all meetings
Thou art not infallible. Thou can learn new tricks
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Practical Exercise
List practices that lead to
bad governance in organisations
Seven Deadly Sins of Organisations
(Contd)
1. Weak Governance, Leadership and
Management
2. Abusive Leadership and Management
3. Vague Strategic Decision
4. Unclear Roles and Responsibilities
5. Unclear Expectations
6. Square Pegs, Round Tables
7. Forgiveness Confused with
Accountability
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