MODULE 1

• Governance


  A process whereby elements in society wield power, authority and influence and enact policies and decisions concerning public life and social upliftment
• Corporate Governance


  The system of rules, practices, and processes by which a firm is directed and controlled. It involves balancing the interests of a company's many stakeholders, such as shareholders, senior management executives, customers, suppliers, financiers, the government, and the community
• Characteristics of Good Governance

  • Participation
  • Rule of Law
  • Transparency
  • Responsiveness
  • Consensus Oriented
  • Equity and Inclusiveness
  • Effectiveness and Efficiency
  • Accountability
• Participation


  By both men and women is a key cornerstone of good governance. Participation could be either director through legitimate institutions or representatives
• Rule of Law


  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
• Transparency


  Decisions taken and their enforcement are done in a manner that follows rules and regulations. Information is freely available and directly accessible to those who will be affected by such decisions and their enforcement
• Responsiveness


  Good governance requires that institutions and processes try to serve the needs of all stakeholders within a reasonable timeframe
• Consensus Oriented


  Good governance requires mediation of the different interests in society to reach a broad consensus 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
• Equity and Inclusiveness


  Ensures that all its members that they have stake in it and do not feel excluded from the mainstream of society
• 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
• Accountability


  A key requirement of good governance. Not only governmental institutions but also the private sector and civil society organizations must be accountable to public and to their institutional stakeholders