Lecture 10: Good Governance and Development

This set of vocabulary flashcards covers definitions, scholarly perspectives, key principles, and specific challenges regarding good governance and its relationship with development, focus on Bangladesh.

Good Governance (UNDP, 1997)

The exercise of economic, political, and administrative authority to manage a country’s affairs at all levels, incorporating processes that ensure accountability, transparency, and public participation.

Kaufmann, Kraay & Zoido-Lobatón (1999) Dimensions

Identified six dimensions of governance: voice and accountability, political stability, government effectiveness, regulatory quality, rule of law, and control of corruption.

Transparency

The principle that government processes and decision-making should be open to scrutiny, ensuring public access to information to hold authorities accountable.

Right to Information (RTI) Act (2009)

A piece of legislation in Bangladesh that enables citizens to request government records to improve transparency in governance.

Accountability

The requirement that public officials be answerable for their actions and decisions through mechanisms like parliamentary oversight and independent audit bodies.

Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC)

A body in Bangladesh that investigates public sector corruption and misconduct to enforce institutional integrity.

Rule of Law

A framework where legal systems are fair, just, and enforced impartially, protecting citizens' rights regardless of social status.

Participation

Actively involving citizens in governance through elections, public consultations, and civic engagement, such as in Bangladesh’s Union Parishads.

Responsiveness

The efficiency and effectiveness with which government institutions address public concerns, grievances, and policy changes based on societal needs.

Consensus-Oriented Decision-Making

A policy-making approach that reflects broad societal interests and seeks common ground among diverse groups to prevent political and social conflicts.

Equity and Inclusiveness

Ensuring all groups, including marginalized communities, have equal opportunities and access to resources like Social Safety Net Programs.

Efficiency and Effectiveness

The ability of public institutions to deliver high-quality outcomes and services while using optimal resources and reducing wastage.

SDG 16

The Sustainable Development Goal for Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions, which emphasizes accountable and transparent institutions as a foundation for development.

Vision 2041

Bangladesh's goal to transform into an upper-middle-income country through institutional reforms, enhanced transparency, and digital governance.

Digital Bangladesh Initiative

A governance-driven initiative aimed at expanding e-governance to improve the efficiency of public service delivery.

Union Digital Centers (UDCs)

Over 5,000 centers in Bangladesh providing online services in rural areas to bridge the governance gap between urban and rural populations.

Corruption Perception Index (2023)

A ranking by Transparency International where Bangladesh ranked 149th, indicating persistent governance challenges such as bribery and favoritism.

Bureaucratic Inefficiency

A governance challenge where overlapping agencies and inefficient administrative structures slow down policy and project implementation.

Political Patronage

A practice in public administration where unqualified individuals hold key positions due to political loyalty, negatively affecting service delivery.

Decentralization Challenges

Issues in local governance where bodies like Union Parishads lack financial autonomy and remain dependent on central government allocations.