What do governance mean

History and Etymology for governance see govern. Learn More About governance. Time Traveler for governance The first known use of governance was in the 15th century See more words from the same century. Style: MLA. English Language Learners Definition of governance. Get Word of the Day daily email! Test Your Vocabulary. Can you spell these 10 commonly misspelled words? Love words?

Need even more definitions? Just between us: it's complicated. Ask the Editors 'Everyday' vs. Many of the elements and principles underlying "good government" have become an integral part of the meaning of "governance".

John Healey and Mark Robinson1 define "good government" as follows: "It implies a high level of organisational effectiveness in relation to policy-formulation and the policies actually pursued, especially in the conduct of economic policy and its contribution to growth, stability and popular welfare. Good government also implies accountability, transparency, participation, openness and the rule of law. It does not necessarily presuppose a value judgement, for example, a healthy respect for civil and political liberties, although good government tends to be a prerequisite for political legitimacy".

We can apply our minds to the definition of governance provided by the World Bank in Governance: The World Banks Experience, as it has special relevance for the developing world: "Good governance is epitomized by predictable, open and enlightened policy-making, a bureaucracy imbued with a professional ethos acting in furtherance of the public good, the rule of law, transparent processes, and a strong civil society participating in public affairs.

Poor governance on the other hand is characterized by arbitrary policy making, unaccountable bureaucracies, unenforced or unjust legal systems, the abuse of executive power, a civil society unengaged in public life, and widespread corruption.

Such a governance approach highlights issues of greater state responsiveness and accountability, and the impact of these factors on political stability and economic development. In its report, From Crisis to Sustainable Growth, the World Bank expressed this notion as follows: "Efforts to create an enabling environment and to build capacities will be wasted if the political context is not favourable.

Ultimately, better governance requires political renewal. This means a concerted attack on corruption from the highest to lowest level. This can be done by setting a good example, by strengthening accountability, by encouraging public debate, and by nurturing a free press. It also means While this Practice Guide does not explore all aspects of governance in the public sector, it is useful to highlight the basic principles that support good governance, and therefore oversight, too.

Accountability is the obligation of an individual, a group, or an organization to answer for a responsibility that has been conferred. Integrity is acting in a way that is impartial, ethical, and in the public interest. Integrity is reflected in part through compliance with legislation, regulations, and policies, as well as through the instilling of high standards of professionalism at all levels of an organization. Transparency is achieved when decisions and actions are open, meaning that stakeholders, including the public and employees, have access to full, accurate, and clear information on public matters.

It is also useful for auditors to have a clear understanding of the distinct roles played by both oversight bodies and management. As a general principle, the roles of an oversight body should be segregated from those of management.