Transparency

Transparency is the act of operating in a manner that is easy to see by others, both to ensure accountability in the process and to increase its potential efficiency by allowing a mechanism for outside observation and input. In recent times, there has been a steady push toward increased transparency in business, politics and government alike, as regulators cite benefits for both the regulated and their customers. Forms of transparency range from government agencies disclosing the methodology behind their policy decisions to businesses disclosing pay and benefits for top employees. The transparency process is intended to infuse greater disclosure, clarity, and accuracy into communication and interaction with regulatory or commercial bodies and their stakeholders. For example, a company that shares information about the ecological impact of one of its proposals with environmental activists is demonstrating disclosure. An organization that favors plain language over technical terminology and fine print is said to demonstrate clarity. And an agency that doesn’t embellish or distort known facts is said to be demonstrating accuracy.