planning a governance assessment - United Nations Development ...

• Choosing the type or types of indicators (existing and new)
° Try to cover both the de facto and de jure governance situation
° Try to have a mix of objective, events-based and perception-based indicators
° Make sure to invest in new indicators to fill in gaps not covered by existing indicators. Then be sure to test these in
terms of reliability and validity
° Use proxy indicators when you can not measure something directly or if the cost of direct measurement is too high
° Do not “re-invent the wheel” by developing new indicators, if existing ones are available
• Choosing the appropriate sampling strategy if you are going to collect data using a survey
° Make sure your sample is big enough to allow disaggregation of the data
° Use probability-based (random) sampling where possible
• Think about how you will present the results first, not as an afterthought
° The earlier steps outlined above directly impact the type of results you will be able to report and share
° Make sure you match the presentation of the results with the audience.
• Make sure the entire process is transparent and also practices the principles of democratic governance,
such as accountability, efficiency, fairness and participation
° Make the raw data available to the public
° Make all project documents, including the budget, coding of the data, and minutes from all meetings publicly
available
• Remember, it is better to start with a smaller more professional assessment than to aim too high
and sacrifice quality
The steps outlined above are dependent, to one degree or another, on some or all of the other steps. They all depend on the
financial and human resources available. While money is very important, human resources are also critical for a successful
assessment. Prices and quality of work vary considerably from country to country and within countries. Countries whose
governments are interested in pursuing an assessment, and are willing to include a diverse group of non-government
stakeholders, should be able to secure funding and technical assistance. Broad participation and the presentation of a
feasible research plan will increase the chances for external funding and success. Once successful, it should possible to
expand the scope of the assessment. Feasibility is the key to sustainability. Sustainability will maximize the impact of a
country-led governance assessment in terms of development, policy and civic education.
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Planning a Governance Assessment: A Guide to Approaches, Costs and Benefits