Governance

Governance describes how the different organs of the state – executive, legislature, judiciary and military – relate to each other, the private sector, the media and the people. The behaviours and practices between these groups, and related checks and balances, are critical. In particular, there needs to be political space for civil society voice and accountability.

Governance matters, especially in fragile contexts. Formal and informal institutions – rules, norms, behaviours and practices – define how, and for whose benefit, decisions are made and implemented.

Recently, there has been an emerging recognition that there is no ‘one size fits all’. Every country has unique features, including demography, culture, geography and history. However, good governance is underpinned by some core principles, including effectiveness, transparency, accountability and participation.

Good governance, or at least “good enough” governance, is a necessary foundation for achieving all the Sustainable Development Goals, as well as for supporting stabilisation and state-building objectives in post-conflict settings.

Where the principles of governance are absent or underdeveloped, it is proven that risks of conflict, corruption, inequality and marginalisation increase.

Successful governing systems are grounded in the unique dynamics of each society, and national stakeholders are best placed to drive their own political futures. Integrity’s role is to facilitate and provide relevant expertise in response to local need.

We utilise our extensive expertise in governance and politics in a range of contexts, engage with national stakeholders, and assist them in building effective, accountable governance systems.

Our research, evidence and analysis offers a range of insightful, practical, political research and analysis tools, including our own CAT methodology, mapping the political landscape, analysing key dynamics, and identifying programming risks and opportunities.

Our capacity development team works with national institutions, including the state and civil society, to strengthen participation and accountability, working with local partners and regional experts to ensure genuine ownership and relevance to the context.

Our monitoring, evaluation and learning utilises a range of specific monitoring and evaluation methodologies capable of capturing and understanding the nuanced, qualitative changes aimed at through governance programmes, including over the longer term.