Research: “Transparency and Trust. An experimental study of online disclosure and trust in government,” by Stephan van Grimmelikhuijsen. The full text can also be accessed via the link (warning: it is a large file). From abstract: “The experiments show that transparency is merely a ‘hygiene factor’: it does not contribute to higher levels of trust and it can even lead to lower levels of trust if people are disappointed with the degree to which government is transparent. This conclusion challenges current overly optimistic assumptions concerning the effect of transparency on trust.”
United States: “Measurement of Open Government: Metrics and Process,” by John Carlo Bertot, Patrice McDermott and Ted Smith. “This paper describes the practical realities of robust measurement of U.S. federal agency transparency and open government initiatives.” It concludes with recommendations.”
Whistleblowers/Canada: Survey of public servants shows federal whistleblower protection law must be strengthened.
Help Wanted: A consultancy to help draft freedom of information policy, law & implementation plan in Vanuatu. See details.
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