As part of our mission to create dialogue around good governance practices, the Bedrosian Center seeks to highlight examples of governance at the local, state, and national levels. Every month, we invite you to send us illuminating examples of governance as part of the Best and Worst in Governance series.

We asked the Price community who they thought was doing a good job? What leader, organization, or policy was not working well?

While scandals and political skirmishes regularly occupy our attention, we hope to shift the conversation and draw attention to the art of governing by calling out good and bad examples of governance. Most of all, we hope nominations for Best and Worst in Governance can elucidate lessons about effective governance practices and help apply the knowledge developed over decades of research and practice to current problems.

But what do we mean by governance?

While some may confuse governance and government, governance refers to the processes and activities related to governing and management. While governance literature suggests more nuanced descriptions, the United Nations defines good governance in terms of “equity, participation, pluralism, transparency, accountability and the rule of law, in a manner that is effective, efficient and enduring.” But governance is not just found in elected governments; good governance practices are equally important for nonprofit organizations, civil society, and the private sector. Though it often escapes scrutiny, good governance is a critical component to the continued success of organizations, government, and companies around us.