| What is “governance”? |
governance refers to the way in which a group, organization, or society is managed and directed. It involves the structures, processes, and rules that guide decision-making, actions, and policies within a particular system. Governance is about how power and authority are exercised, how decisions are made, and how those in leadership positions are held accountable.
In simpler terms, it’s the system of managing and controlling an entity, ensuring that decisions are made effectively, fairly, and transparently for the benefit of the group or community. It can apply to governments, corporations, or even smaller organizations. |
| The term governance often gives rise to confusion because it is (erroneously) assumed that it must refer solely to acts or duties of the government. |
The term "governance" is often misunderstood because people mistakenly think it refers only to the actions or responsibilities of the government. |
| Of course, governments do play an important role in many kinds of governance. |
Naturally, governments play an important role in various types of governance.
This emphasizes that while governance isn't limited to the government, it still has a significant role in many governance systems. |
| However, in fact, the concept is far broader, and extends beyond merely the State. |
In reality, the concept is much broader and goes beyond just the State.
This emphasizes that governance is not limited to the state alone, but applies to various other entities and systems. |
| For example, we have seen increasing reference recently to the notion of “corporate governance”, a process that involves oversight both by the State and by a host of non-State bodies, including corporations themselves. |
For instance, there has been a growing reference to the concept of "corporate governance" recently, which is a process that involves oversight by both the State and various non-State entities, including the corporations themselves.
This emphasizes that corporate governance includes supervision not just by the government but also by other organizations, including the corporations involved. |
| Don McLean points out that the word governance derives from the Latin word “gubernare”, which refers to the action of steering a ship. |
Don McLean explains that the word "governance" comes from the Latin word gubernare, which means the act of steering a ship.
This clarifies that the term governance originally related to guiding or directing, much like steering a ship. |
| This etymology suggests a broader definition for governance. |
he origin of the word suggests a broader definition for governance.
This indicates that the history of the word “governance” points to a more expansive meaning.
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| One important implication of this broader view is that governance includes multiple tools and mechanisms. |
One important implication of this broader perspective is that governance involves various tools and mechanisms.
This means that a wider understanding of governance includes many different methods and systems for managing and guiding.
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| Traditional law and policy are certainly among those mechanisms. |
Traditional law and policy are certainly part of those mechanisms.
This indicates that traditional laws and policies are included as tools or methods in the governance process.
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| However, as we shall see throughout this primer, governance can take place through many other channels. |
However, as we will see throughout this primer, governance can occur through many other channels.
This conveys that governance can happen in various ways, as explained in the primer. |
| Technology, social norms, decision-making procedures, and institutional design: all of these are as equally important in governance as law or policy. |
Technology, social norms, decision-making procedures, and institutional design: all of these are just as important in governance as law or policy.
This highlights that governance is influenced not only by laws and policies but also by technology, social norms, decision-making processes, and the design of institutions. |
