THE DIALECTICS OF GOOD GOVERNANCE: TOWARD GOVERNANCE SUSTAINABILITY

Abstract

This study aims to critique Agency Theory and Stewardship Theory while also proposing a theory to analyse the practice of the “Good Governance” concept. This study is a literature review that employs a critical dialectical approach in an effort to propose a theory, namely the “Theory of Communicative Action” conceived by Habermas. The analysis results indicate that the practice of the concept of “Good Governance” can be categorised into three groups. Firstly, Pseudo Governance Sustainability, which refers to the practice of “Good Governance” principles in a system mechanism based on economic considerations. Secondly, Obligatory Governance Sustainability, which refers to the practice of “Good Governance” principles in a system mechanism based on following rules and laws. Thirdly, Humanism Governance Sustainability, which refers to the practice of “Good Governance” principles in a system mechanism based on the lifeworld as a manifestation of consciousness that surpasses system mechanisms. This study suggests that, when compared to Agency Theory and Stewardship Theory, Habermas’s theory might be deemed more appropriate for examining the application of Good Governance concepts. In an attempt to achieve Humanism Governance Sustainability in accordance with the expectations of the government and all Indonesians, it is hoped that Habermas’s theory will allow the analysis of the practice of “Good Governance” principles to be carried out in a more holistic and thorough manner. The originality of this study is the existence of theoretical proposals that have never been used to analyse the practice of the “Good Governance” concept.