International Approaches

While developing the 337 indicators for the MMGS project, the preceding international framework and existing measures of good governance were considered. In addition to the analysis of regulatory frameworks and international approaches, national laws and regulations were also examined. This appendix is limited to some selected major frameworks and approaches.

Council of Europe, European Label of Governance Excellence (ELoGE)

ELoGE awards municipalities achieving good governance in accordance with the Council of Europe Benchmark for good governance.

Focuses on 12 Good Governance Principles:

  • Participation, Representation, Fair Conduct of Elections
  • Responsiveness
  • Efficiency and Effectiveness
  • Openness and Transparency
  • Rule of Law
  • Ethical Conduct
  • Competence and Capacity
  • Innovation and Openness to Change
  • Sustainability and Long-term Orientation
  • Sound Financial Management
  • Human Rights, Cultural Diversity and Social Cohesion
  • Accountability

Methodology: 12 good governance principles are measured in terms of 97 indicators. Measurement is based on self-assessment of municipalities and municipalities are expected to provide evidence to support their self-assessments. An accredited entity then examines the municipal self-assessment and decides upon the consequence. Citizen surveys can also be a part of the process, but the survey results do not necessarily determine whether a municipality will receive the award.

Data Sources: Data and evidence presented by local governments.

UN Habitat Kentsel Yönetişim Endeksi

Aims at strengthening governance in local governments, especially for sustainable development.

Focuses on 4 Good Governance Principles:

  • Effectiveness
  • Equity
  • Participation
  • Accountability

Methodology: 4 good governance principles are measured based on 25 indicators to be used as a tool of self-assessment.

Data Sources: Stakeholder meetings.

Impact Alliance Yerel Yönetişim Barometresi

Aims at strengthening local governance, institutional capacity, and service quality.

Focuses on 5 Good Governance Principles:

  • Effectiveness
  • Transparency and Rule of Law
  • Accountability
  • Participation and Civic Engagement
  • Equity

Methodology: 5 good governance principles are measured through 22 indicators.

Data Sources: Local organizations with necessary skills and capacity collect data. Stakeholder meetings are held to support the data collection process.

UNDP Methodological Guidelines for Local Governance Analysis

Aims at analyzing the state of local governance and building action plans to improve local governance.

Focuses on 6 Areas:

  • Strategic Vision
  • Legitimacy and Leadership
  • Active and Positive Relationship between Actors
  • Institutional Capacity
  • Citizen Participation
  • Results in Human Development

Methodology: 15 goals related to 6 areas are measured in terms of 40 indicators.

Data Sources: Stakeholder opinions and evaluations.

Philippines Center for Policy Studies Governance for Local Development Index

Aims at evaluating the governance quality of municipalities.

Focuses on 9 Topics in 3 Categories:

  • Development Needs
    • Family Conditions
    • Public Problem
    • Day Care
    • Health Service
    • Drinking Water
  • Development Orientation
    • Development Expenditure Priorities
  • Participatory Development
    • School Board
    • Local Development Council
    • Consultation

Methodology: 9 goals in 3 areas are measured through 10 indicators.

Data Sources: Household surveys and public documents such as the minutes of the meetings of the local consultative bodies.

Check UNDP’s 2015 publication: A User’s Guide to Measuring Local Governance for more examples:
https://www.undp.org/publications/users-guide-measuring-local-governance