Governance glossary

Accountability The justification of expenditure and decisions made by an institution through financial and administrative reports to an independent person or organisation appointed to represent the interests of those who are affected by its decisions.   Capacity building A program or project designed to increase an institution's ability to carry out its work effectively, for example, staff training, implementing better management procedures or making better use of technology.   Class action A legal device that enables one or more persons to sue or be sued as representatives of a large group of people interested in the same author.   Consensus oriented A decision process which seeks agreement and resolution of objections to achieve the most agreeable decision. It 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. http://www.unescap.org/huset/gg/governance.htm   Constitution A set of rules governing the politics of a nation.   Corruption The abuse of one’s official position for personal gain   Civil society Various groups of people come together and organise themselves around common interests. This might be informally at public meetings, or it might be more formally through community groups, non-government organisations, professional associations, sporting clubs and special interest groups. Civil society organisations can influence government policy, are a way of people gaining access to public resources and can build a sense of community based on trust and mutual respect.   Democracy Government by the people, exercised either directly or through elected representatives.   Disempower To take away someone's power. This can be done in a concrete sense by taking away someone's rights but it can also be done in a psychological sense by creating situations where people feel helpless and lose confidence and self-esteem.   Effectiveness and efficiency Good governance means that processes and institutions produce results that meet the needs of society while making the best use of resources at their disposal. The concept of efficiency in the context of good governance also covers the sustainable use of natural resources and the protection of the environment. http://www.unescap.org/huset/gg/governance.htm   Empower To build a person's confidence and belief in their ability to do things. To provide concrete rights and facilities which enable them to accomplish things.   Equity and inclusiveness A society’s wellbeing depends on ensuring that all its members feel that they have a stake in it and do not feel excluded from the mainstream of society. This requires that all groups, but particularly the most vulnerable, have opportunities to improve or maintain their wellbeing. http://www.unescap.org/huset/gg/governance.htm   Governance The political, economic and administrative processes carried out by government, business and the civil society sectors.   Good governance Good governance has eight major characteristics. It is participatory, consensus oriented, accountable, transparent, responsive, effective and efficient, equitable and inclusive and follows the rule of law. It ensures that corruption is minimised, the views of minorities are taken into account and that the voices of the most vulnerable in society are heard in decision-making. It is also responsive to the present and future needs of society. http://www.unescap.org/huset/gg/governance.htm   Infrastructure  The basic facilities, services, and installations needed for the functioning of a community or society, such as transportation and communications systems, water and power lines, and public institutions including schools, post offices, and prisons. It includes physical infrastructure(roads, bridges, buildings, plumbing, wiring and transport facilities) administrative infrastructure (trained staff, established procedures and appropriate equipment) social infrastructure (family and community networks) and political infrastructure (political parties, legislative bodies, electoral commission, judiciary and legal systems)   Judiciary The system of courts that administers justice and provides a mechanism for the resolution of disputes. The term is also used to refer collectively to the judges, magistrates and other personnel who make decisions on disputed areas of law.   Legislative body The group which make the laws.   Participation The ways people, both men and women are involved in political, economic and management decisions. Participation can either be direct or through legitimate intermediate institutions or representatives. It does not necessarily mean that the concerns of the most vulnerable in society are taken into consideration in decision making. Participation needs to be informed and organised. This means freedom of association and expression on the one hand and an organised civil society on the other. http://www.unescap.org/huset/gg/governance.htm   Political process The wide range of matters involved in the government of a country. On a formal level this might mean being a member of a party, voting in an election or being a formal member of government. On an informal level, it can refer to involvement with civil society organisations which might make representations to government. It can also mean being free to go to public meetings on important political and social issues, or having access to information.   Social capital The relationships between people, based on shared values of equality, mutual respect and mutual assistance which enable them to cooperate for enjoyment or to achieve specific goals.   Non-government organisations (NGOs) Organisations which are not run for profit and committed to improving the physical, social, economic and/or political environments in which people live. They are generally self-funding through donations and various fundraising events but sometimes receive funds from governments to undertake particular activities.   Rule of law The fair legal framework which is enforced impartially and protects human rights, particularly those of minorities. Impartial enforcement of laws requires an independent judiciary and an impartial and incorruptible police force. http://www.unescap.org/huset/gg/governance.htm   Responsiveness Good governance requires that institutions and processes try to serve all stakeholders within a reasonable timeframe. http://www.unescap.org/huset/gg/governance.htm   Transparency An institution is transparent when its activities are open to public examination and accountable. http://www.unescap.org/huset/gg/governance.htm   United Nations (UN) An international organisation of 191 countries (almost every country in the world) who have committed themselves to the UN Charter: to maintain international peace and security; to develop friendly relations among nations; to cooperate in solving international economic, social, cultural and humanitarian problems and in promoting respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms; and to be a centre for harmonising the actions of nations in attaining these ends. The United Nations is not a world government and it does not make laws but it provide the means to help resolve international conflicts and formulate policies on matters affecting everyone.