Validation of good governance tool
Good governance is a new concept aimed at attenuating poverty and promoting development. It was introduced by the international bodies in the 1980s and refers to a system of values, policies, and institutes used by a society to manage its economy, policy, and social matters by the public, private, and civil sectors [1]. The concept is based on the fundamental principle that recommends instead of managing the society single handedly, governments are better off cooperating with citizens, private sectors, and public institutes [2, 3]. By allowing citizens to enter into the areas of decision and policy making, the governance process moves from a totalitarian system toward a democratic and participatory system [4].
In fact, the concept of good governance is aimed at helping the developing countries with low income to achieve sustainable human development. Fighting poverty, creating job and sustainable welfare, preserving and renewing life and environment, and empowering women are emphasized in this concept [2, 5]. Several studies have pointed out the effect of different aspects of good governance on human development, economic development of nations, lower mortality rate among children, and higher in life expectancy. In this regard, the role of healthy individuals in achieving the objectives of development and growth in the developing countries is emphasized [6-10]. To assess good governance at global scale, the World Bank introduced six aspects (right to express opinion and responsiveness, efficiency of governance, quality of legislation, corruption control, rule of law, political stability, and absence of violence). Based on these aspects, states are ranked based on good governance practices [8]. Institutions like Mo Ibrahim Foundation (Ibrahim Index of African Governance), the World Bank, Overseas Development Institute (World Governance Assessment – WGA), and the United Nation (UN) try to codify the factors of good governance [11].