Conflict, Legitimacy and Government Reform: Equitable Allocation of ...

96 KPI Congress XI
Fundamental Linkages between
Good Governance and Equitable
Allocation of Resources
Having defined and discussed both ‘equitable allocation of
resources’ and ‘good governance’, we can see that the two concepts are
closely linked. Fairness/equity is one of the principles of good
governance. The outcomes of both ‘equitable access to resources’ and
‘good governance’ involve equal access to power and ensuring that all
citizens have an opportunity to have a say in decision making. Because
‘equity’ is one of the principles of good governance you can not have
good governance without equity. Because good governance is about the
systems, processes and mechanisms that ensure that all people have a say
in decision making, you can not have equity without good governance.
Both ‘equitable allocation of resources’ and ‘good governance’ is
relevant in different zones. At the global level we have seen that there are
vast difference in equity across countries. Global governance
organizations such as the UN seek to address some of those inequalities.
At the national level we have found that there are inequalities. We
suggest that there is a correlation between the 5 principles of good
governance (legitimacy/voice; direction/strategic vision; performance;
accountability; and equity\/fairness) and equitable allocation of resources.
The relationship between the principles of good governance and
equitable allocation of resources is perhaps most stark at the family level,
where families in which principles such as voice/participation,
accountability and fairness are upheld we are more likely to see resources
allocated equitably regardless of gender and age differences, than in
families where these principles are not respected.
An important relationship also exists between equitable allocation of
resources and the development of sound government, civil society and
business organizations. Where there is unequal allocation of resources,
there is a tendency for organizations to be developed which perpetuate
inequalities in power, status and wealth.