Our Approach
Governance is concerned with how decisions important to a society or an organization are taken. It helps define who should have power and why, who should have a voice in decision-making, and how accountability is rendered to citizens.
The IOG has compiled a list of five principles that it sees to be core characteristics of good governance. These five principles represent an ideal that no society has yet achieved but which all those interested in good governance should pursue. The following five principles help us understand not merely governance but good governance as it applies to an organization, community or society.
Five Principles of Good Governance | |
The IOG Good Governance Principles | The UNDP principles and related UNDP text on which they are based |
Legitimacy and Voice | Participation – All men and women should have a voice in decision-making, either directly or through legitimate intermediate institutions that represent their intention. Such broad participation is built on freedom of association and speech, as well as capacities to participate constructively.
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Strategic Vision | Strategic direction – 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. |
Performance | Responsiveness – Institutions and processes try to serve all stakeholders. Effectiveness and efficiency – Processes and institutions produce results that meet needs while making the best use of resources. |
Accountability | Accountability – Decision-makers in government, the private sector and civil society organizations are accountable to the public, as well as to institutional stakeholders. This accountability differs depending on the organizations and whether the decision is internal or external. 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. |
Fairness | Equity – All men and women have opportunities to improve or maintain their wellbeing. Rule of Law – Legal frameworks should be fair and enforce impartially, particularly the laws on human rights. |
