“Quality of Government”: A philosophical assessment

Kirby, N. and Wolff, J. (2021) “Quality of Government”: A philosophical assessment. In: Bågenholm, A., Bauhr, M., Grimes, M. and Rothstein, B. (eds.) Oxford Handbook of the Quality of Government. Oxford University Press: Oxford, pp. 41-62. ISBN 9780191890581 (doi: 10.1093/oxfordhb/9780198858218.013.4)

Abstract

Until recently, with some notable exceptions, contemporary political philosophy has had little to say about topics of “governance.” Unlike earlier thinkers, contemporary theorists have largely ignored topics such as bureaucracy, institutions, corruption, public integrity, and public service. Accordingly, Rothstein and Jan Teorell’s idea of “Quality of Government” (“QoG”), combined with the work of other political scientists and public administration theorists, invites a welcome and long overdue return to topics of governance for political philosophy. This chapter first aims to clarify the precise question to which “QoG” is intended to be answer, that is, the question of “good governance” and distinguish it from more traditional philosophical concerns with justice and legitimacy. We review the limited philosophical landscape, and then critique of the QoG as a theory of good governance. Finally, we tentatively outline an alternative account, and consider directions for future research.

• Item Type: Book Sections
• Status: Published
• Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID: Kirby, Dr Nikolas
• Authors: Kirby, N., and Wolff, J.
• College/School: College of Social Sciences > School of Social and Political Sciences > Politics
• Publisher: Oxford University Press
• ISBN: 9780191890581

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