Good Governance The “Dirty Word” Dissected Out From The Micro To The Macro Level

By Harendra de Silva –MAY 4, 2020

Vidyajothi Prof. Harendra de Silva

There is nothing but absolute remorse when we recall the phrase ‘Good Governance’ in Sri Lanka also known as “යහ පාලනය” in Sinhala. What happened? Is it a new or an extraordinary concept? At all election’s politicians coin Melodramatic and romantic phrases that are often rhythmic and would entice the public to vote them in by giving hope of a rosy CHANGE in governance and well-being (material and qualitative)! Some examples are: ධර්මිෂ්ට සමාජයක් (A righteous society), සුභ අනාගතයක් (A Prosperous Future) and සැබෑ වූ වෙනසක් (A Real Change). All these slogans talk about CHANGE and enmeshed in these slogans are/were: safety from terrorism and foreign occupation, promise of Food, petrol or other commodity/material concessions etc. Therefore, it is sensible to surmise that; Like all other slogans in the past (and possibly in future) ‘Good Governance’ was nothing but a romantic phrase used to lure people to vote. Unfortunately, like previously, 99.99% of the advocates themselves nor those who voted or even rejected it did not comprehend the exact components. The advocates probably did not want to understand what it meant, since all they needed was power and once achieved – forgot the principles on what swept them into power! It however, betrayed the slogan itself confirming poor Governance! Always to deceive the voter!

Interestingly, similar slogans have been used Internationally.

* A chicken in every pot and a car in every garage. – Herbert Hoover 1928

* America First –Warren G. Harding, Pat Buchanan and Ross Perot in the 1992, Donald Trump in his inaugural address.

* Building a bridge to the 21st century. – Bill Clinton 1996

* Change we can believe in – Barack Obama 2008

* ¡Democracia Real Ya! – (Real Democracy Now!) Used in the 2011 Spanish protests

The universal plea/s in Political elections are: A change for the better, or material benefits from Bread, Rice, Cloth, Laptops, Internet or Gold bracelets/Chains etc

Governance is quoted by William Gladstone Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, (for four terms 1868 -1894). “Here is my first Principle of foreign policy. Good Government at Home!”. Paradoxically it was his ancestor David Gladstone High Commissioner to Sri Lanka, who in 1991 was accused of interfering in Sri Lanka’s internal affairs and was made ‘accountable’ for poor governance by one of our presidents! It would also be questionable whether the process of accountability was transparent or not!

“Governance” is not new, it is an age-old concept. “governance” involves decision-making and the process by which decisions are implemented/or not implemented including and beyond government. It can be applied to Government in general, it’s different components in Administration/ Ministries/ Departments, Judiciary, Police, or within any “Organization” such as religious groups or political parties, Civil Society, the market (big or small). Although not documented, I believe the principles are applicable to a family Unit as well, which I will explain later.

Let’s get the theory First

It traditionally has eight major components, although it may differ in different groups. It should have a Participatory approach with all levels and members contributing; In this process, efficient, equitable (impartial) and inclusive decisions to develop Consensus which means: when such participatory decisions are made there should be discussion and agreement at the top and other levels; Transparency in these decisions and actions is another important component. Accountability is one of the most important components, since person/s taking such decisions and actions are held responsible either positively (rewarded) or negatively (Punished) and be accountable to rules and regulations, including laws, and this is when the other component lack of Impunity or the rule of law is applicable. At the conclusion it should assessed whether the results were responsive and effective. Although not mentioned in the usual descriptions, I feel that in this Process, Monitoring is an Essential Pre-Requisite at every level and Transparency can reduce the need for Monitoring as well as Accountability would minimise Impunity. Of course, most of the components are inter-related and cannot be considered separately.

I believe that: without going into all the details we should always consider the main concepts of Transparency, Rule of the Law (lack of Impunity), Accountability and Monitoring aspects without which the process cannot function, but keep in mind the other processes when necessary.

Governance is not complicated; everyone will acknowledge the familiarity and say “this is obvious stuff, what is he trying to tell us?” Unfortunately, although we all know it, we don’t understand it in a way to practice it properly. Take the political context out, don’t romanticise a phrase without understanding it! We always want others to follow good governance either at the top or the bottom, but not us/me!! 

Is Good Governance applicable only to governments or to Companies, Institutions, Family or Individuals? Basically, everyone has to be transparent in their actions and be accountable to any lapses, with the rule of law effective at every level. Yes, it means everyone! We as Individuals, should be transparent to ourselves, with our Parents, Siblings, Partner, children or friends and Society. We Should act within the written and unwritten Norms & behaviour set by family, friends, Society and Laws established by Government. We all should be Accountable (or face consequences) to ourselves, the parents, siblings, friends, society or Government. Be Transparent at home, our school, workplace, and be answerable to the Monitoring mechanisms of our performance and or be Accountable to any queries by our supervisors. For Effective Performance of Family, Society from Grassroots up-to the Government at the top; It is imperative that everyone is transparent and acts to the rule of the Law and is made Accountable. Although not explicitly mentioned and though often negatively attributed, accountability can be positive as well: Punished negative behaviour, reward admirable performance. 

Read More