Nine Rules for Good Local Governance

Abstract

This paper reviews nine major characteristics of local authorities that have helped enhance localities to receive good governance awards from the Office of Permanent Secretary, the Prime Minister’s Office in the past several years. These characteristics include doing things right from the beginning; having a clear vision and going for it; sticking to public service goals; internationalizing local government management practices; overcoming a tough task; stimulating local initiatives; adopting new public management styles; nurturing local collaboration; and wining the heart and minds of civic residents. The author expects that by fulfilling all these qualities, local government capacity will be escalated in the long run.