Do transparency mechanisms reduce government corruption? A meta-analysis

Abstract

This article presents a meta-analysis of empirical studies to examine the role of transparency mechanisms for curbing corruption. The analysis reveals that transparency has an overall significant, though small, effect size in reducing corruption. Transparency is more effective for reducing subjective than objective corruption measures. While legal transparency mechanisms with freedom of information laws are important, fiscal transparency and e-transparency play a stronger role in fighting government corruption. Accountability and publicity add to transparency mechanisms for reducing corruption. Points for practitioners This meta-analysis study confirms a significantly negative association between transparency and corruption. Transparency advocates can champion transparency mechanisms as significant tools for reducing corruption. Different transparency mechanisms and good governance mechanisms are needed to reinforce transparency for reducing corruption.