The most important factor in nurturing a good society has proper governance, with a stable government. Good governance is referred to as the standard weighing gauge on how the government and public institutions manage public resources. It also entails proper decision-making processes which ensure that there are proper relations between the society and all economic sectors.
To begin with, proper governance ensures that people live in peace with each other. A peaceful society creates an enabling environment for reduction of crime and terror (Rotberg 516). They are referred to as social stresses. When there is a reduction of crime, people are assured of property security. Also, a peaceful society will reduce delinquency levels. Children will not engage in criminal acts since they will have all needs provided to them. They will concentrate on education, hence raising the literacy levels of such society. Consequently, there is improved economic performance. Economic performance is based on investment climate and investor confidence (Pagallo 169). When there is a suitable environment for investments, investors will have room for relevant investments and expansion. The economic performance will hence be high. Additionally, a peaceful society promotes governmental performance. When a society is harmonious, the government will make decisions that will favor the coherence of the society.
Proper governance will also allow members of the society to enjoy economic opportunities. There will be equality on how the members of the society engage in business (Brinkerhoff 9). For example, the government will award tenders in a democratic manner. The poor will not be discriminated against the rich in such tenders. This means that there will be uniform job creation. The number of people below the poverty line will be reduced. Consequently, good governance will give room for education opportunities to the members of the society (Van Doeveren 314). This will allow them to make informed decisions that will directly affect them. For example, a society may decide that persons with disabilities be given an upper hand in the awarding of government tenders. In making such decisions, the society will have been educated on the importance of giving such people an upper hand, and how it contributes to the well-being of the society. Decision making also relates to participation in the political processes. People will choose the government that will serve them at their own will. This will ensure that the political system is such society is stable.
Finally, good governance ensures that members of the society are well protected. The first nature of protection is a proper defense against foreign attacks. Terrorism has proved to be a factor that pulls the development of a society behind (Ott 356). Most countries in the world, which have had terror attacks, have performed poorly in their economic and social status. When a society is at peace with others, it will enjoy a suitable environment for economic growth. Protection also entails public participation in governance. This means that the members of the society choose their own leaders, who will be accountable to the society. Accountability narrows down public protection against corruption and misuse of power (Dellepiane-Avellaneda 201). For example, good governance will ensure that there are public oversight bodies which probe on corrupt and underperforming leaders. Additionally, there are leaders who use their official power to exploit people. A proper governance system ensures that people are shielded against exploitation.
Concisely, good governance ensures that two elements of a society: the web relationship among individuals and organizations, and between the society and the government. It is the responsibility of the government to guide its people on the right path towards developing a healthy society. Governments should ensure that they develop a democratic society which will make sure that is active participation of all individuals for the development of a healthy society.
- Rotberg, Robert I. “Good governance means performance and results.” Governance 27.3 (2014): 511-518.
- Pagallo, Ugo. “Good on life governance: On law, spontaneous orders, and design.” The Onlife Manifesto. Springer International Publishing, 2015. 161-177.
- Brinkerhoff, Derick W., and Jennifer M. Brinkerhoff. “Public–private partnerships: perspectives on purposes, publicness, and good governance.” Public Administration and Development 31.1 (2011): 2-14.
- Van Doeveren, Veerle. “Rethinking good governance: Identifying common principles.” Public Integrity 13.4 (2011): 301-318.
- Ott, Jan C. “Good governance and happiness in nations: Technical quality precedes democracy and quality beats size.” Journal of Happiness Studies 11.3 (2010): 353-368.
- Dellepiane-Avellaneda, Sebastian. “Good Governance, Institutions and Economie Development: Beyond the Conventional Wisdom.” British Journal of Political Science (2010): 195-224.