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PRESENTATION ON GOVERNANCE AND ITS PARACDIGMS

MAQBOOL AHMAD
The Prologue
Fernanda (2009) argues that the concept of governance sounds simple and unambiguous but when
one attempts to define it and scans available literature to look for precedence, one comes across a
bewildering variety of perceptions behind available definitions. All the definitions vary according to the
sensitivity of the analyst, the context of varying degree of development and from the standpoint of
academicians and their paradigms they hold. In a literature, the term governance is frequently used. The
donors promote the notion of ‘good governance’ as a necessary precondition for treating an enabling
environment for sustainable human development. Good governance has also been accepted as one of the
targets of the Millennium Development Goals ‘MDGs’. Agenda of good governance stems from the
donor concern with the effectiveness of the development efforts.
What is Governance?
There is no conclusive definition of any construct or phenomenon in the disciplines like
humanities or social sciences. The cause behind is the dilemma that there are multiple meanings of social
phenomena, varieties of context and plurality of interpretations of the social constructs. The problem of
multiple paradigms and the influence of the specific power structure in multiple settings and
contextualization also give birth to the multiple definitions regarding the understanding of a particular
phenomenon of the social world. Governance Institutes of Australia states that governance encompasses
the system by which an organization is controlled and operates.  As per the understanding of
Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development ‘OECD’, Governance is the framework of
rules, relationship, systems and processes within and by which authority is exercised and controlled.  As
per international Bureau of Education ‘IBE’, Governance refers to the structures and processes that are
designed to ensure rule of law, accountability empowerment, inclusiveness, equity and broad-based
participation.  Global Mentoring Report (2009) defines governance as power relationship, processes of
decision making and mechanisms for holding people accountable.  From the academic point of view,
corporate Governance focuses on structures and mechanisms that ensure the proper internal and external
functioning of an organization.  As far as I understand and reflect, governance deals with the ways in
which suppliers of the finance assume themselves of getting a return on their investment.  Governance is
a mechanism by means of which organisms are directed and controlled.  Governance is the exercise of
authority to run the affairs of an organization.  Governance refers to the structures and processes
responsible for the goal oriented interactions of the stakeholders.  Governance is the strategic task of
setting goals and directions and accountability frameworks of organizations. Whereas management is
concerned with the allocation of resources and overseeing the day to day operations of the organization
Cardinal takeaways of governance
Following are the key takeaways associated with the concept of governance:
 It is the exercise of authority to manage the affairs of an organization.
 There is a tendency to equate governance with management. The latter refers to the planning, and
monitoring functions in order to achieve predefined results.
 Good governance is expected to be participatory, transparent, accountable, effective and equitable
and promotes rules of law.
Management
Management refers to the process of planning, organizing, leading and controlling the work of
organization and using all available organizational resources.
Management refers to the coordination and administration of tasks to achieve the goals of the
organization.
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Difference between Governance and Management
The table below will summarize the difference between Governance and Management
Governance Management
Governance sets the parameters under which Management refers to the individuals who are
management and administration systems operate given the authority to achieve the desired results
Governance sets strategic vision, direction and Management keeps the organization in line with the
formulate high-level goals and policies goals and directions set by the governing body
Governance is concerned with what management is concerned with how
Governance determines what an organization Management strives for hoe these goals can be
should do accomplished
Governance is the process of decision making Management is the process of decision
implementation
What is Educational Governance?
Educational governance refers to the structures, processes and mechanisms that are designed for
the successful delivery of education.  Educational governance refers to the visions, decisions and
directions that lead to the accomplishment of the goals of education determined by the society
Educational governance is the strategic mechanisms of mass instructions.
What is a Paradigm?
The word paradigm comes from the Greek language which means pattern.  Paradigm is a lens
through which an individual interprets the universe and its associated concepts including the social world.
 A paradigm is a worldview through which all the entities of the universe are interpreted and accessed.

Types of Paradigms
There are two types of paradigm.  The physical paradigm is one that guides how the physical
operations of the universe are carried out.  The social paradigm guides, how the groups interact, respond
and percept the social realities.
Paradigms of Governance
The literature on governance indicates the following paradigms.
 The technocratic paradigm of governance
 The theocratic paradigm of governance
 The epistocratic paradigm of governance
 The ethnocratic paradigm of governance
The technocratic paradigm of governance
The technocratic paradigm of governance refers to the governance or control of social institutions
by elite of technical experts. It is also sometimes called skill-based power paradigm.
Theocratic Paradigm of Governance
The theocratic paradigm of governance refers to the governance structure that is controlled by the
religious authorities. These authorities are supposed to be governed by divine guidance. This paradigm of
governance is based on religious virtues, commandments and prohibitions. This paradigm is also
sometime termed as virtue-based power paradigm of governance.
The Epistocratic Paradigm of Governance
The epistocratic paradigm of governance refers to the governance by the wise, righteous and
intellectuals of the society. The authorities are nominated on the basis of knowledge, creativity and
insights that are necessary for running the affairs of governance. The paradigm is also termed as wisdom
based power paradigm of governance.
The Ethnocratic Paradigm of Governance
The ethnocratic paradigm of governance refers to the governance ideology in which the governing
apparatus is controlled by a dominant ethnic group to further, its interests, power and resources.
Bibliography
Fernando, A. C. (2011). Corporate Governance: Principles, Polices and Practices: Prentice
Hall.