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Guilherme Mazui

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What is the Difference Between government and governance?

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The terms "government" and "governance" are related but have distinct meanings:

  • Government refers to the group of people who rule or run the administration of a country or organization. It is the body of representatives that governs and controls the state or organization, employing its power through various rules, laws, and regulations.
  • Governance is the act of governing or ruling and encompasses the set of rules and laws framed by the government to be implemented. Governance is a broader concept that involves the interactions, relationships, and networks between different sectors (government, public sector, private sector, and civil society). It involves decisions, negotiation, and different power relations between stakeholders to determine who gets what, when, and how. Governance can be applied to various organizations, including for-profit, non-profit, and public institutions.

In summary, government is the body responsible for ruling and administering a country or organization, while governance refers to the processes, rules, and relationships involved in governing and managing various institutions and sectors within society.

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  • What is the Difference Between government and governance?
  • Comparative Table: government vs governance

    • Comparative Table: government vs governance

    Here is a table highlighting the differences between government and governance:

    Aspect Government Governance
    Definition A government is a group of people who rule or run the administration of a country, making use of established rules and principles to efficiently run the affairs of the state. Governance refers to the process whereby an organization or a society steers itself, and it is a broader concept that can be applied to organizations of any size and type, including corporate governance, non-profit governance, and participatory governance.
    Scope A government is a more rigid and narrower set of activities among elected politicians, administrators, and some influential or privileged interests. Governance involves a range of institutions, rules, and participants, both within and beyond the nation-state, who are involved in making decisions and influencing outcomes.
    Decision-Making Decisions are typically made by elected politicians and administrators within the government, following established procedures and rules. Decision-making in governance involves various stakeholders, including non-governmental organizations (NGOs), quasi non-governmental organizations (QUANGOs), and other interest groups, in addition to government actors.
    Focus The focus of government is on creating and implementing public policies through specific institutions and processes. Governance focuses on the broader process of steering and managing an organization or society, involving communication, control, and coordination among various stakeholders.

    In summary, the government is a body of elected representatives responsible for running the administration of a country, while governance is a broader concept that encompasses the processes and stakeholders involved in managing and steering an organization or society.

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    Guilherme Mazui

    Guilherme Mazui is graduated in journalism from the Federal University of Minas Gerais (UFMG) and a master's degree in Communication from the University of São Paulo (USP). In addition, he has experience in advertising writing and has worked as a content editor in several companies.