TMJC GP InfoPack Governance and Leadership Package (JC2 2024)

1 GOVERNANCE & LEADERSHIP Tampines Meridian Junior College JC2 General Paper 2024 Term 1 Reading Set 1: Governance Page 3 Reading Set 2: Democracy Page 12 Reading Set 3: Leadership Page 21 Sample Essays Page 30 ‘A’ Level Essay Questions on Governance & Leadership Page 34

2 An Overview ● Unit Title: Governance and Leadership Inquiry Question: Is good governance the key to solving all problems faced by a country? Inquiry Question: Is democracy an effective form of government? Inquiry Question: What makes a good leader? Unit Strand: Governance Unit Strand: Democracy Unit Strand: Leadership Conceptual Lens: Power & Competition Concepts: Governance, Values, Social Engineering, Privacy Concepts: Governance, Democracy, Freedom, Order Concepts: Governance, Leadership, Values Topic: Principles of Governance, Public Policy Topic: Rights, Political Participation, Disinformation Campaigns, Populism Topic: Types of Leadership, Qualities of Leaders Possible Generalisation: Possible Generalisation: Possible Generalisation:

3 Inquiry Question: Is good governance the key to solving all problems faced by a country? At the end of the lesson, students should be able to: ✔ Understand the effects of governance ✔ Understand the principles of good governance ✔ Understand the complexity of governance ● Governance ● Article 1: What Is Good Governance? By the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific Introduction Bad governance is being increasingly regarded as one of the root causes of all evil within our societies. Major donors and international financial institutions are increasingly basing their aid and loans on the condition that reforms that ensure "good governance" are undertaken. This article tries to explain, as simply as possible, what "governance" and "good governance" means. Governance The concept of "governance" is not new. It is as old as human civilization. Simply put, "governance" means: the process of decision -making and the process by which decisions are implemented (or not implemented). Governance can be used in several contexts such as corporate governance, international governance, national governance and local governance. Since governance is the process of decision -making and the process by which decisions are implemented, an analysis of governance focuses on the formal and informal actors involved in decision-making and implementing the decisions made and the formal and in formal structures that have been set in place to arrive at and implement the decision. The government is one of the actors in governance. Other actors involved in governance vary depending on the level of government that is under discussion: ● In rural areas, for example, other actors may include influential landlords, associations of peasant farmers, cooperatives, NGOs, research institutes, religious leaders, finance institutions political parties, the military etc. ● The situation in urban areas is much more complex. Figure 1 (on the left) provides the interconnections between actors involved in urban governance. ● At the national level, in addition to the above actors, media, lobbyists, international donors, multi-national corporations, etc. may play a role in decision-making or in influencing the decision - making process. All actors other than government and the military are grouped together as part of the "civil society." In some countries in addition to the civil society, organized crime syndicates also influence decision-making, particularly in urban areas and at the national level. Similarly, formal government structures are one means by which decisions are arrived at and implemented. At the national level, informal decision-making structures, such as "kitchen cabinets" or informal advisors may exist. In urban areas, organized crime syndicates such as the Mafia may Reading Set 11 Figure 1: Urban Actors

4 influence decision-making. In some rural areas, locally powerful families may make or influence decision-making. Such informal decision-making is often the result of corrupt practices. Good Governance Good governance has 9 major characteristics. It assures that corruption is minimized, 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. 1. Participation All men and women should have a voice in decision-making, either directly or through legitimate intermediate institutions that represent their interests. Such broad participation is built on freedom of association and speech, as well as capacities to parti cipate constructively. Participation needs to be informed and organized. This means freedom of association and expression on the one hand and an organized civil society on the other hand. 2. 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. 3. Transparency Transparency means that decisions taken and their enforcement are done in a manner that follows rules and regulations. It also means that information is freely available and directly accessible to those who will be affected by such decisions and their enforcement. It also means that enough information is provided and that it is provided in easily understandable forms and media. 4. Responsiveness Good governance requires that institutions and processes try to serve all stakeholders within a reasonable timeframe. 5. Consensus-oriented There are several actors and as many viewpoints in a given society. Good governance requires mediation of the different interests in society to reach a broad consensus in society on what is in the best interest of the whole community and how this can be achieved. 6. Equity and inclusiveness A society’s well-being 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 all groups, but particularly the most vulnerable, have opportunities to improve or maintain their well-being. 7. 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. 8. Accountability Accountability is a key requirement of good governance. Not only governmental institutions but also the private sector and civil society organizations must be accountable to the public and to their institutional stakeholders. Who is accountable to whom varies depending on whether decisions or actions taken are internal or external to an organization or institution. In general, an organization or an institution is accountable to those who will be affected by its decisions or actions. Accountability cannot be enforced without transparency and the rule of law. 9. Strategic vision Leaders and the public have a broad and long-term perspective on good governance and human development, along with a sense of what is needed for such development. There is also an understanding of the historical, cultural and social complexities in which that perspective is grounded.

5 Application: Is good governance the key to solving all problems faced by a country? With reference to the area of public policy you read about: • What are the effects of governance? • What are the principles of good governance that are exemplifi