A theoretical study to determine the interrelationship between governance and leadership

Abstract

In the recent past, authoritative sources have indicated that the concept "government" and "governance" cannot be separated from leadership and that the two concepts, leadership and governance, are both best understood as functioning in an interrelated relationship. Further studies, of which this research forms part, suggest that society and the environment have changed phenomenally. Modem society is characterised, among others, by rapid change and greater demands for optimum results. This has brought the revised concept to the fore, namely that good governance can attain the best results only if it functions within a framework of interaction with effective leadership. This dispels the theory that governance can on its own deliver results, because in reality it is leadership that drives the whole to deliver the required performance. The main theme discussed, is governance and policy, leadership and the interrelationship between governance and leadership. Governance is also discussed in terms of the modem approach of accountability in: government, the private sector, civil society and public policy. Five forms of governance are identified and the ethics of good governance are described. The practice of corporate governance and the similarity of the principles of sound corporate governance to that of political governance, and governance in civil society, are identified. The concept and relevance of leadership is further discussed. A survey of the theories of traits, motives and power of leadership is undertaken in order to define effective leadership in relation to good governance that can produce the expected results. Finally, the interrelationship of governance and leadership is described by connecting the various characteristics of effective leadership and aspects of good governance, such as among others, the principles of good corporate governance with one another. In this context, several criteria are recommended in order to determine the effectiveness of leadership within good governance.