Governance and Development Managers

Who are development managers? What is institutional arrangements? What is governance?

What is “good” governance? Why is there a need for good governance?

How development managers uses institutional arrangements towards good governance?

Within the public sector, development managers are persons that are in charge of the practical and theoretical aspects of the concept, design, coordination, implementation and analysis of the affairs of that organization.

These organizations are either public or private entities used to carry out functions of the state.

What are institutions? Institutions are commonly defined as the ‘rules of the

game’, including norms, beliefs, values, habits and behaviour (Menard, 2000)They include both formal and informal arrangements, they can range from local to global level, and may give rise to compliance or resistance.

Therefore institutional arrangements:This refers to the delegation, distribution or sharing of power related to growth, management , decision making and implementation authority. (adapted from http://depts.washington.edu/visions/IAExamples.htm )

Governance is the set of policies, rules, responsibilities, and processes established to guide, direct and control how the state reaches their political, social and economical goals.

According to the USAID, UNESCAP and DFID, good governance is competent management of the country’s resources and affairs in a manner that is transparent, open, accountable, equitable and responsive to the needs of its people.

Governance operates at several levels. At the political level, At the macroeconomic level On the legal front At the sector level

Good governance fosters a path for strong and stable economic development. Poor governance could adversely affect private market confidence and reduce private capital inflows and investment, thus retarding economic growth.

Promotes sustainable development and institutional capacity.

Responsiveness Good governance requires that institutions and processes

try to serve all stakeholders within a reasonable timeframe. Transparency

Transparency refers to the availability of information to the general public and clarity about government rules, regulations, and decisions.

Accountability When the exercise of government decision-making is

accountable, it adds strength and legitimacy to state-society interactions. A classic form of accountability is the vote, allowing citizens to periodically hold governments to account for their rule. Fiscal accountability is ensured through effective functioning of offices and roles of the controller and auditor-general. Other modes of political accountability include the legislature, an effective opposition, sufficient staff resources and oversight committees. Between elections, accountability mechanisms include the operation of a free and independent media, and civil society initiatives. (www.updea-africa.org)

Rules & Regulation Good governance requires fair legal frameworks that

are enforced impartially. It also requires full protection of human rights, particularly those of minorities. Impartial enforcement of laws requires an independent judiciary and an impartial and incorruptible police force. (UNESCAP)

Consensus Oriented There are several actors and as many view points in a

given society. Good governance requires mediation of the different interests in society to reach a broad consensus in society on what is in the best interest of the whole community and how this can be achieved. It also requires a broad and long-term perspective on what is needed for sustainable human development and how to achieve the goals of such development. This can only result from an understanding of the historical, cultural and social contexts of a given society or community.

Effective & Efficient

Reformation Improving education and training Appropriate sanctions in the judiciary system Avenues for practical recourse/appeal for

citizens Make information available and accessible to

the public . Judiciary system should be an independent

body free from the political influences of the nation.

Ensure proper systems of checks and balances – eg. regular auditing

Having more than one organization delivering the service – this may not be cost effective or efficient but may assist in the reduction of corruption.

Implementation of performance appraisal. Open communication at all levels. Reformation of administrative procedures and

budget management – to minimize waste and promote efficient use of resources.