The 8 characteristics of Good Governance are recognized worldwide. The characteristics are a result of considerable research in the late 1990s to determine the level and capacity of good governance in countries worldwide. Good governance was determined to be important in all sectors of society – governments, corporations, and not-for-profit organizations.

Each organization has its own governing documents and relevant legislation for which the organization must comply, no matter how large or small the organization.

As constituents, donors, volunteers, and employees of various organizations are becoming more aware and developing greater expectations, there is a greater need for governments and organizations to meet or exceed the standard of good governance.

8 Characteristics of Good Governance

Participation
Accountability
Transparency
Efficiency and Effectiveness
Responsiveness
Consensus Orientation
Equity
Rule of Law

As Board and Council decisions are made at meetings, it is important to ensure those decisions are made in a fair, transparent, participatory, accountable, efficient and effective manner. That is called “good governance”. Parliamentary procedure provides the meeting procedures that are fundamental to the practice of good governance at meetings.

Through parliamentary services, including workshops, consulting, online resources and articles, the Governance Optimizer is educating leaders on governance and meeting procedures so they can better focus on making the strategic decisions that impact their organization’s performance in the mission to benefit their community.