Македонски центар за меѓународна соработка - МЦМС

Authors: Emina Nuredinoska and Kelmend Zajazi
Date: 2008
PDF: priracnik-za-dobro-upravuvanje-vo-graganskite-organizacii-2008.pdf

The manual on good governance represents a compilation of theoretical and practical issues and draft solutions with reference to the basic principles of good governance in civil society organizations.

The manual was prepared for the purpose of the OSCE project "Capacity Building Program 2008" and it is intended for the organizations-partners to OSCE and other civil society organizations. The manual is based on the first edition of “Good Governance in Civil Society Organizations”, published also by the Macedonian Center for International Cooperation (MCIC) in 2007. This edition contains supplementation and clarification of terminology, as well as annexes which should alleviate the operations of the civil society organizations in their intentions to establish higher standards for inner organization and their practical implementation.

The concept of governance represents no novelty. It has existed ever since the human civilization started to exist and it designates a process of decision making and a process in which the decisions are (or are not) implemented. Good governance, on the other hand, is a newer concept which has been implemented in order to provide positive meaning of governance.

Although most research and literature refer to good governance of the state and private sector, the notion can also be significantly employed in the civil society sector.

The intention of MCIC and OSCE is to contribute, with this manual, to the development of the civil society sector, its sustainability and positive image in the public, through presentation of theoretical solutions and practical counsel and tools for application of the good governance principles.

Although the Law on Citizens’ Associations and Foundations offers the bases for the organizational structure and governance, still, for the sustainability of the sector in unfavorable context, undoubtedly there is a need for the civil society organizations to move a step forward and establish higher ethical standards which will mean developed democratic structure, transparency, responsibility, accountability, participatory approach.

This manual aims to make available in one place the most commonly applied standards for good governance, to the leaders of the civil society organizations.

The manual addresses the most important questions for good governance, such as: notion of governance, good governance, common elements for good governance, context in which the civil society organizations' bodies act, organization development cycle and non-executive bodies, role of the non-executive body in general and its role related to finances of the organization, role of the members of the non-executive body, preventing conflict of interests, recruitment of new members and relations between the non-executive and executive bodies.