Back to Bloggin': Good Governance

It's been a long, long time since I've last submitted a blog entry - time to return to the blogosphere...

Thoughts lately are centered around the principles of good governance since we're hiring a new president on campus. 5 principles I've come across recently include: 1) Legitimacy and Voice; 2) Direction; 3) Performance; 4) Accountability; and 5) Fairness. Legitimacy and Voice refer to all people having a voice in decision-making especially those with the knowledge and those affected by the decisions. It also includes freedom of speech. A Consensus Orientation, where the best interest of the group is valued, is also embraced. Direction refers to both Strategic Vision and Performance. Strategic Vision includes leaders and public having a broad, long-term perspective. Performance includes Responsiveness (to all stakeholders) as well as effectiveness and efficiency - processes and institutions produce results that meet needs while making the best use of available resources. Accountability includes both internal (the institution) and external (the public) types where decision-makers are held responsible; it also includes Transparency - the free flow of information that is directly accessible to those concerned. Finally, Fairness refers to Equity - all have opportunity to improve or maintain their well-being and Rule Of Law - legal frameworks should be fair and enforced impartially.

These principles should be considered scale independent, in my opinion. They should be used in decision-making with families, schools, companies and corporations, governments, and other institutions. I'm hopeful that whomever we hire as our next president will embrace these principles.