Linking objective-oriented transparency to political leadership and strategic planning

Transparency, one of the many tools of the strategic planning concept, is commonly assumed to result in a number of diffuse benefits for government. Yet, empirical research demonstrates that the relationship between transparency and good governance is not as straightforward as often assumed. As a result, many are now debating the role of transparency in fostering effective governance. This study argues that current debates over the benefits of transparency stem from too general conceptualization of what transparency actually is. As such, drawing upon existing literature, we contribute to this debate over the utility of transparency in the following ways. First, we offer a framework that suggests a more nuanced understanding of the different types of information needed to enhance government transparency. Second, we discuss how the different types of information outlined in our framework promise to improve specific aspects of government. Finally, we demonstrate how transparency is dependent on a strong political leadership and how it needs to be integrated into the organizational strategic planning in order to be effective.