Buzz Word Alert

I woke up one day and realized that the bulk of my research boils down to a single loaded word: governance.

Cue disgust. Good governance. The largest of buzz words. The center of development work. The subject of numerous and comprehensive indicators. Not to mention conferences and complex graphic interpretations of the concept. I came back to the Middle East this year to better understand ‘how things work’ in the region (I know, I got a grant for this amorphous purpose, how cool is that?). But I didn’t come to Oman to tackle the issue of the best path to a smoothly functioning society.

Hence the momentary shiver.

My investigation of water issues, then the relationship between experts and politicians, then water legislation, then the general formation of policy and life in the ministries, has led me to conclude (drumrollllll) that the sustainable use of water in Oman depends on the governance of the country as a whole. In other words, we can’t expect to have properly constructed and enforced water legislation without generally functioning and transparent legislative and judicial processes. No news flash there.

Yet I breathe a sigh of relief knowing that understanding how politics work, and recognizing the deficits in good governance, doesn’t mean that I have to join USAID. Instead, my investigation of Oman’s public administration is showing me that governance is both a reflection of society (our discussions on culture) and a manipulator of society ("okay, we are willing to consult more and accept varied opinions"). I guess I should go back to my political science literature on institutions and if societies are shaped by them or shape them, but I’m not feeling that motivated right now.

Instead, I’ll focus on an important aspect of governance quickly, and that is accountability. I like the way a World Bank note defines the term, stating that: “broadly speaking, accountability exists when there is a relationship where an individual or body, and the performance of tasks or functions by that individual or body, are subject to another’s oversight, direction or request that they provide information or justification for their actions. Therefore, the concept of accountability involves two distinct stages: answerability and enforcement. Answerability refers to the obligation of the government, its agencies and public officials to provide information about their decisions and actions and to justify them to the public and those institutions of accountability tasked with providing oversight. Enforcement suggests that the public or the institution responsible for accountability can sanction the offending party or remedy the contravening behavior.”

It goes on to summarize that parliaments exercise political accountability while the judiciary exercises legal accountability. Oman is heavily lacking in bodies that ensure that policy makers and leaders are held accountable for their decisions, and that laws are enforced with justice, regardless of VIP status. So keep signing those international agreements on climate and other pressing concerns Oman, because no one is getting fired for lack of follow through...