Governance refers to the process of decision-making and the process by which decisions are implemented (or not implemented). Good governance, however, goes beyond mere process; it imbues the act of governing with a set of ethical principles (normative attributes) and mechanisms for assessment and accountability (evaluative attributes), thereby transforming it into a more legitimate, effective, and equitable endeavor.

Normative Attributes (What Governance Should Be): Normative attributes are the ideals, principles, and standards that guide the conduct of governance. They define the desired characteristics and ethical framework for how power should be exercised and decisions made. Key normative attributes of good governance include:

1. Participation: All men and women should have a voice in decision-making, either directly or through legitimate intermediate institutions that represent their interests. This includes the most vulnerable and marginalized.
2. Rule of Law: Legal frameworks should be fair and enforced impartially, particularly the laws on human rights. This requires an independent judiciary and an impartial and incorruptible police force.
3. Transparency: Decisions are made and enforced in a manner that follows rules and regulations. Information is freely available and directly accessible to those who will be affected by such decisions and their enforcement.
4. Accountability: Government institutions, private sectors, and civil society organizations are accountable to the public and to their institutional stakeholders. This is crucial for preventing abuse of power.
5. Responsiveness: Institutions and processes try to serve all stakeholders within a reasonable timeframe.
6. Equity and Inclusiveness: All members of society, especially the most vulnerable, have opportunities to improve or maintain their well-being.
7. Effectiveness and Efficiency: Processes and institutions produce results that meet the needs of society while making the best use of resources.
8. Consensus-Oriented: Good governance mediates differing interests to reach a broad consensus on what is in the best interest of the whole community and how this can be achieved.

Evaluative Attributes (How Governance Is Measured and Assessed): Evaluative attributes are the tools, mechanisms, and criteria used to assess whether the normative principles are being upheld and whether governance is achieving its intended outcomes. They provide a basis for feedback, learning, and improvement:

1. Performance Indicators: Measurable metrics to assess the efficiency, effectiveness, and quality of public services and programs (e.g., citizen satisfaction surveys, budget utilization rates, project completion rates, ease of doing business indices).
2. Audits and Reviews: Regular financial, performance, and social audits to ensure compliance with rules, efficient use of resources, and achievement of objectives. These provide an independent assessment of government operations.
3. Feedback Mechanisms: Establishment of grievance redressal systems, public hearings, citizen charters, ombudsman offices, and suggestion boxes to allow citizens to provide direct feedback and seek recourse.
4. Independent Oversight Bodies: Creation of institutions like anti-corruption commissions, human rights commissions, and regulatory authorities to monitor and hold government and other actors accountable.
5. Impact Assessments: Methodologies to evaluate the actual effects and consequences of policies and programs on different segments of society, ensuring that interventions are beneficial and equitable.
6. Benchmarking: Comparing governance practices and outcomes against national or international best practices to identify areas for improvement.

In essence, good governance transforms the act of governing from a mere exercise of power into a purposeful, principled, and accountable process. The normative attributes provide the moral compass and aspirational goals, while the evaluative attributes provide the necessary instruments to measure progress, ensure adherence to principles, and foster continuous improvement. Together, they ensure that governance is not only legitimate in its intent but also effective and just in its execution.