Measuring human development: a primer – guidelines and tools for statistical research, analysis and advocacy

Authors: Puri,J.; Gaye,A.; Kurukulasuriya,S.
Produced by: Human Development Report Office, UNDP (2007)

The human development approach represents a simple yet powerful idea: putting people at the centre of development. It is about enlarging people’s choices and freedoms to live a long and healthy life, have access to knowledge and a decent standard of living, and participate in communities with dignity and self-respect. (adapted from authors)

This primer on measuring human development is intended as a reference tool that provides guidance on statistical principles for producing evidence-based policy recommendations and quality human development reports (HDRs). It is aimed at HDR teams, as well as other practitioners working together to achieve the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs), human rights and broader human development objectives.

Chapters include:

Statistical principles in human development analysis

Select dimensions of measuring human development

Advocating for change with human development data
Each chapter includes country illustrations, checklists, tools and resources.

Available online at: http://www.eldis.org/cf/rdr/?doc=39564&em=021008&sub=man

A user’s guide to measuring corruption

Authors: June,R.; Laberge,M.; Nahem,J.
Produced by: UNDP Oslo Governance Centre (2008)

Over the past few years, a flood of new work has emerged challenging the validity of the traditional measurements of corruption and arguing for new and improved tools for national policy makers, civil society and donors alike. This guide suggests ways of measuring corruption promoting a multiple data sourcing approach and a focus on actionable measurements. It is aimed at national stakeholders, donors and international actors involved in corruption measurement and anti-corruption programming.

This guide is based on more than thirty interviews with individuals from dozens of countries who are working on corruption and governance reforms, including government officials, development practitioners, donor representatives and multilateral specialists. It explains the strengths and limitations of different measurement approaches, and provides practical guidance on how to use the indicators and data generated by corruption measurement tools to identify entry points for anti-corruption programming.

The developmental state

—Syed Mohammad Ali

Much is written about the evolving nature of state systems and the subsequent range of responsibilities assumed by them for the purported benefit of their citizenry. However, a major bulk of such thought is based on political frameworks of analysis. Thinking about a state from a primarily developmental perspective receives relatively less attention. Yet the growing prominence of multinational entities in the contemporary world order has at least managed to nudge the concept of developmental responsibilities of a state to the centre of international policy debates. Besides thinking of the state primarily in geo-strategic terms, or with reference to sovereignty, ideology or political legitimacy issues, this recognition has led to considering more closely measures adopted by states for achieving human development goals.

There are some underlying reasons why the concept of development is gradually being acknowledged as one of the pivotal responsibilities of a state. The glaring prevalence of socio-economic disparities that continue to tarnish the claims of incremental global progress provides ample moral justification for adjusting the conventional criteria for assessing states. Moreover, the growing realisation that environmental problems like climate change are hardly containable within national boundaries has also compelled international consensus that all states must be urged to pursue sustainable models of development. The security threat posed by fragile states to their own citizens, as well as to those of more affluent states, has further justified the need for focusing on the developmental role of states.