Professional Ethics : Good Governance

ABSTRACT

Good governance has come to occupy such a space in the practical and theoretical discussions on development. This assignment paper attempts to put current understanding into perspective, by locating specific trends in government. The key players poses a dilemma to the theory and practice of transparency, because it reflects the tendency of the state to shy away from responsibility to its citizens. The discourse on good governance must articulate democratic aspirations.

Improved governance requires an integrated, long-term strategy built upon cooperation between government and citizens. It involves both participation and institutions. The Rule of Law, Accountability, and Transparency are technical and legal issues at some levels, but also interactive to produce government that is legitimate, effective, and widely supported by citizens, as well as a civil society that is strong, open, and capable of playing a positive role in politics and government. This assignment paper considers goals for good governance, key challenges confronting efforts at reform, examples of successful good-governance efforts, and action steps for improving both participation and institutions.

GOOD GOVERNANCE

Recently the terms governance and good governance are being increasingly used in development literature. Bad governance is being increasingly regarded as one of the root causes of all evil within our societies. Good governance involves far more than the power of the state or the strength of political will. The participation, rule of law, transparency, responsiveness, consensus oriented, equity and inclusiveness, effectiveness and efficiency and accountability are not merely technical questions of administrative procedure or institutional design. They are outcomes of democratizing processes driven not only by committed leadership, but also by the participation of and argument among, groups and interests in society processes that are most effective when sustained and...