Dimensions of Local Governance

Ganesh Paudel

The concept of local governance encompasses institutional

networks, interactions, collaborations and collective action in
enhancing democratic practices at the local level. This broader
notion of local governance can foster democratic norms, values
and practices of diverse types of locally functioning institutions.
This is a new phenomenon evolving around the human
collectivism. It is expected to provide spaces for diverse
community groups and networks to promote and engage in
collective action for locally defined agenda. The fundamental
principle of local governance is to make the government
responsive and accountable towards the people in its
jurisdiction.
It seeks to include the multiplicity of formal and informal relati
onships between different actors in development (local governm
ent, the private sector, associations, de‐concentrated agencies)
that shape and influence the output and effectiveness
of political and administrative systems at a sub‐national level. 
There are various issues and dimensions regarding the local
governance system which indeed proved the relevancy of
governance system at local level, which are as follows:
1. Political Dimension
 2. Economic Dimension
3. Geographic Dimension
4. Social Dimension
5. Administrative Dimension
6. Legal Dimension

Political Dimension
Political dimension basically focused on the development and
strengthening the local political system and enhancing the
political capability to solve the problem of the society at local
level. It includes:
a. Development of the capability of the political system.
b. Development of the responsiveness of the political system
c. Political mobilization
d. Political participation
e. Political institutionalization
f. Delivery of democracy at local level

Political dimension can be viewed as the leading factors of the

governance system either national or local. In fact, political
dimension guide and mobilize other factors on the process of
governance.
Economic Dimension
Without strong economic backing, local governance may be
paralyzed. Economic dimension of local governance is
important ingredient of governing system at local level.
Availability of local resources, exploration of local resources,
capital formation, income status of residency, consumption
patterns of the people, poverty, situation of employment etc.
directly affect the governance system.
Economics dimension focuses on:
a. Level of Employment
b. Economic policy of the local governance system
c. Sustainability of development
d. Economic activities handle by the local government
e. Distribution of the resources
f. Redistribution of economic benefits
g. Utilization of resources
Proper utilization of the resources, distribution of the
resources equally, redistribution of the benefits to the people
and their sustainability shows the relevancy of the local
governance at local level. Without strong economic backing
local governance cannot function properly and cannot fulfill
the needs and aspiration of the local people. Economic
dimension also demands the people centric development and
their participation in distributing and allocating the resources.
Geographic Dimension
As we know, local governance is the system of managing all
affairs of the defined local jurisdiction. Without defined and
demarcated local territory local governance cannot exist. So
geographic dimension is another important ingredient of local
governance, which includes:
a. Defined territory
b. Geological structure
c. Population structure and size
d. Economic status
Local administration is the function of a locality. Local
governance and its ingredient can only exist in the environment
of certain locality, so it’s fundamental factor for governing
system at local level.

Social Dimension
Social dimension reflect the social status, belief system, caste
system and their implication, value system and structure of the
society within the certain defined territory. Local governance
thus analyzed the social structure and their consequences when
delivering the public goods and services as well as the process
of development. Local governance reflects the clear social status
and demands the cure against the mismanagement.
Social dimension focuses on:
a. Social hierarchy
b. Social status (Health, Education etc.)
c. Cultural diversity
d. Value system

Administrative Dimension
Administrative dimension closely associated with the
distribution and redistribution of the value created by the public
authorities. Policy formulation, implementation and creation of
utilities to the society and their equal distribution measure the
relevancy of the local governance on the prospective of
administrative dimension.
Administrative dimension focuses on:
a. Policy formulation and execution
b. Administrative structure
c. Process and behavior
d. Effectiveness of public service delivery
e. Capability of Human resources
Administrative dimension demands the efficient public
services delivery at local level by public authorities.
Legal Dimension
Without legal backing public authorities cannot created and
exist. Formation of local institution, operation and use of local
authority, regulation of them must be stated by the existing law
of the nation. Legal dimension created the authority and
responsibility to the local institution and also clearly stated the
terms of reference when handling the public affairs of the certain
territory.
Legal dimension covers:
a. Local government autonomy
b. Organizational entity
c. Financial authority
d. Authority of Policy decision
e. Responsibility