Education and Training Resources

Over the past decade, the term 'good governance' has slowly entered the lexicon of newspapers, government publications and the annual reports of most major companies. For the general public, the term 'governance' remains something of a mystery. How does 'governance' differ from 'government'? Is 'governance' the same thing as transparent financial reporting, or does the term have a broader relevance? What has 'good governance' got to do with reducing corruption?

The Art of Governance by Jennifer Buckley introduces readers to several alternative definitions of governance, and a simple model for conceptualising the roles of government, the private sector and civil society in ensuring good governance at the local, national and international levels. The book examines the eight essential characteristics of good governance and includes chapters on different forms of government and their effect in the quality of governance, institution building and corruption.

Published by the Global Education Centre, South Australia, the book is designed as a resource to assist secondary teachers to introduce the concept of governance in the classroom. It forms an excellent, readable introduction for anyone interested in good governance and the conditions under which it is most likely to flourish.

The Art of Governance is available from the Global Education Centre at a cost of $33 including GST.
phone: 08-82216744
Fax: 08-82216755
email gecsa@global-education.asn.au
Or see Global Education Centre - Adelaide website link below.

Bruce Hill is an executive with Maitland, Hill and Palamara (MHP) a civil engineering consultancy firm. His objective is to secure new business and establish an office for MHP in Manila. MHP have previously worked in the Philippines and have a working relationship with a successful local firm.

While trying to find his way about he meets Dr Andres Gonzales the Minister for Water and Natural Resources, Australian NGO workers and Marie Fernandez, a poor fruit seller. They and others, tell him of their problems, offer insights and hints on how to succeed in business in an offshore environment, and provide a mix of news, gossip, sound advice and opinion.

How does Bruce make decisions; balance competing interests; influence decisions; maintain his integrity; know what to believe or what to dismiss and keep within Australian and local laws? What are the responsibilities of MHP directors and should they assist him?

Bruce Hill In Manila has been used in a training session with the Registered Engineers for Disaster Relief (RedR) group in Victoria. Angela Bushall, Victorian Chairperson reports: " ... attendees were challenged and questioned throughout the hypothetical and everyone had an active involvement in the session. The seminar ended with guidelines on how to deal with corruption in disaster situations. Feedback from the seminar was very positive and everyone thought the hypothetical an excellent way of getting the ambiguities of corruption situations across. TI Aus is congratulated for their efforts and mention was made of integrating similar corruption training in regular training for all RedR members. "

Bruce Hill has now moved to other Asian countries, developed new sectors of experience and encountered new integrity problems. This flexible tool has been used with Postgraduate students at International House, University of Melbourne, and with the executives and staff at the Asia Regional Seminar of a UK based Consultancy company.

The hypothetical takes just over an hour and is suitable for groups of business executives, post grad students, engineers etc. Please contact TI Australia if you are interested in using this practical and innovative tool.

The following posters were designed by the management and staff of Shearwater Cape Schanck Resort in Victoria for the use of TI Australia. Shearwater Resort was assisted by Miller Design and Hopgood Design and Illustration in the production of the artwork.

For permission to use these images, please contact TI Australia.