Introduction

This chapter explores issues related to the conceptualization, definition and implementation of governance. It reviews the factors that drive countries toward governance to argue that there are gaps and misinterpretations in the discourse. The chapter seeks to identify the potential benefits for developing countries as they strive for governance whether willingly or under pressure. It also reviews the definitions and descriptions of governance, identifies the drivers. The chapter examines the challenges of measuring it to argue that a shift in conceptualization, interpretation and measurement is necessary to move the process of establishing governance forward. It argues in favor of a shift in conceptualization, interpretation and application of governance to facilitate progress in developing countries. Developing countries are in an advantageous position because partners in the international community are keen to promote governance across the world. The World Bank was thus guiding developing countries toward a pattern prevalent in liberal democratic Western nations.