Good Governance Measurement using Rotberg's Output-Based Approach for Kyrgyzstan
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.17015/ejbe.2024.033.05Keywords:
Good governance, Kyrgyzstan, Rotberg's approach, Worldwide Governance Indicators (WGI), input-based assessment, output-based assessment.Abstract
This study evaluates the concept of good governance by comparing traditional inputbased measures with a novel output-based methodology. Indices like the Worldwide Governance Indicators (WGI) are widely used for cross-country comparisons but face criticisms for their reliance on input and capacity-based approaches, which may not accurately reflect governance outcomes experienced by citizens. Rotberg (2016) proposed an output-centred method that assesses governance quality through tangible political goods provisions, utilizing a bottom-up approach. This research applies Rotberg’s methodology to measure good governance in Kyrgyzstan using data on 36 indexes over a period from 1991 to 2019. Missing values were imputed using Principal Component Analysis. Comparative analysis of Rotberg’s index with the WGI reveals divergent trends, explained by differences in methodology and underlying data. The research findings highlight the need for the design of a rigorous methodology for the computation of the output-based good governance index for
developing countries. Addressing the identified issues will facilitate the widespread adoption and refinement of this alternative measure, fostering better governance practices worldwide.
References
African Capacity Building Foundation. (2024). ACBF-African Capacity Indicators. https://elibrary.acbfpact.org/
Canadian International Development Platform (2021). Measuring Governance. https://cidpnsi.ca/measuring-governance/
Charron, N. (2021). Measuring the Unmeasurable? Taking Stock of QoG Measures. In A. Bågenholm, & others (Eds.), The Oxford Handbook of the Quality of Government (pp. 1-15). Oxford Handbooks. https://doi.org/10.1093/oxfordhb/9780198858218.013.6
Correlates of War. (2024). Composite Index of National Capability. https://correlatesofwar.org/data-sets/national-material-capabilities/
Freedom House. (2016). Democracy Status. https://freedomhouse.org/explore-the-map?type=nit&year=2016
Fukuyama, F. (2013). What is governance? Governance: An International Journal of Policy, Administration, and Institutions, 26(3), 347-368. https://doi.org/10.1111/gove.12035
Kaufmann, D., & Kraay, A. (2023). Worldwide Governance Indicators. World Bank. https://www.worldbank.org/en/publication/worldwide-governance-indicators
Kaufmann, D., Kraay, A., & Mastruzzi, M. (2011). The Worldwide Governance Indicators: Methodology and Analytical Issues. Hague Journal on the Rule of Law, 3, 220-246. https://doi.org/10.1017/S1876404511200046
Kurtz, M., & Shrank, A. (2007). Growth and Governance: Models, Measures, and Mechanisms. Journal of Politics, 69(2), 538-554. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1468-2508.2007.00549.x
OECD (2024). Social Institutions and Gender Index. https://www.oecd.org/stories/gender/social-norms-and-gender-discrimination/sigi/
Rotberg, R. I. (2014). Good Governance Means Performance and Results. Governance: An International Journal of Policy, Administration, and Institutions, 27(3), 511–518. https://doi.org/10.1111/gove.12084
Rotberg, R. I. (2016). On Governance: What It Is, What It Measures and Its Policy Uses. Waterloo, McGill-Queen's University Press-MQUP.
Rotberg, R. I. (2018). Good Governance: Measuring the Performance of Governments. In D. Malito, G. Umbach, & N. Bhuta (Eds.), The Palgrave Handbook of Indicators in Global Governance (pp. 33-48). Palgrave Macmillan. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-62707-6_2
Rotberg, R.I., & Gisselquist, R.M. (2009). Strengthening African Governance: Index of African Governance Results and Rankings 2009. Harvard University & The World Peace Foundation. https://www.belfercenter.org/sites/default/files/legacy/files/2009_INDEX_OF_AFR_GOV_PR_Packet.pdf
Rothstein, B. (2011). Quality of Government: Corruption, Social Trust, and Inequality in International Perspective. Chicago: The University of Chicago Press. https://doi.org/10.7208/chicago/9780226729589.001.0001
Rothstein, B., & Teorell, J. (2013). The Quality of Government: What It Is? How to Measure It? APSA-Comparative Politics Newsletter, 23(1), 1–5.
UNDP (2024). Human Development Index. http://hdr.undp.org/en/statistics/hdi/
World Bank. (2024). World Governance Indicators. https://www.worldbank.org/en/publication/worldwide-governance-indicators
