Perception Of Transparency Research Articles

ANALYSIS OF THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN DEMOGRAPHICS AND EMPLOYEE SATISFACTION LEVELS: THE ROLE OF GENDER AND AGE IN IMPROVING THE QUALITY OF THE WORK ENVIRONMENT

This study explores the influence of age and education level on employee satisfaction on performance appraisal at the Surabaya Ministry of Health Polytechnic. With a quantitative approach, data was collected through a questionnaire from 90 employees and analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics. The results showed that there was a significant difference in satisfaction levels based on age and education level. Younger, more educated employees tend to report higher satisfaction with performance appraisals, suggesting that these demographic factors influence their perceptions of fairness and transparency. This study emphasizes the importance of human resource management to consider age and education when designing an effective performance appraisal system. This study provides new insights in the human resource management literature by highlighting the importance of demographic factors in employee satisfaction with performance appraisals. The results of this study also provide guidance for improving the performance appraisal system and employee satisfaction in the institution.

Transparency, disclosure and autonomy: Moral judgment and attitudes toward branded content among media workers

This study extends the media sociology literature on moral judgment by comparing moral orientations among journalists and non-journalistic media professionals as well as attitudinal differences regarding branded content and related perceptions of transparency, disclosure standards, and perceived job autonomy. Based on a survey sample of the Online News Association membership ( n = 226), journalists placed greater emphasis on organizational disclosure standards than non-journalist counterparts, and branded-content producers had less favorable attitudes toward disclosure. Also, perceived disclosure standards of their organizations negatively predicted individuals’ disclosure attitude. Regression modeling showed morally related variables accounted for a small but notable variance in disclosure-related attitudes.

Consumerbased conceptualisation of brand transparency: scope, characteristics and contextual determinants

Purpose Escalating uncertainty surrounding brand communications has intensified consumer demands for transparency. Many definitions link transparency to the quantity of shared information, yet more information might not alleviate consumer uncertainty. The purpose of this paper is to develop a consumer-based conceptualisation of brand transparency that recognises the subjectivity in how transparency manifests for consumers. Design/methodology/approach This research adopts a qualitative approach, leveraging 10 exploratory interviews with experts and 20 in-depth interviews with consumers. Findings Confronted with information asymmetry, consumers rely on cues (openness, clarity, timeliness, evidence-based, explanatory) to evaluate a brand’s intentions to provide accurate information about focal domains in a way that establishes brand transparency. Focal domains of brand transparency (pro-social values, processes and product and service offerings) evolve in line with changing consumer expectations. Both consumer relationships and brand experiences influence brand transparency perceptions. Research limitations/implications This study challenges an inherent assumption that access to more information informs brand transparency perceptions; instead, consumers require transparency about salient and focal topics. By delineating the observable signals consumers use to infer transparency and highlighting how consumers’ biases towards certain brands and product categories influence their perceptions of brand transparency, this study contributes to customer–brand relationship literature. Practical implications The authors identify challenges for evoking brand transparency perceptions when information is salient. The authors stress the importance of open dialogue across all touchpoints to address consumer queries. Originality/value By challenging some assumptions of brand transparency literature, which have evolved from accounting and governance disciplines, this research introduces a distinctive perspective on consumer-based brand transparency.

Impact of Servitization on Employee Satisfaction with Performance Evaluation Systems: A Case Study of China’s New Energy Sector Amid Power Market Reforms

This study investigates the mechanisms by which service-oriented transformation affects employee satisfaction with performance evaluation systems within the context of China’s electricity market reform. Using CGN New Energy’s Guangxi Branch as a case study and applying the grounded theory method, the research systematically analyzes employees’ perceptions of fairness, transparency, and career development during the transition from a product-oriented to a service-oriented model, based on in-depth interviews and surveys. The findings reveal that while servitization enhances employee skill development and career satisfaction, it also introduces challenges, such as increased work pressure and the demand for more transparent performance evaluation systems. This study provides valuable insights into optimizing management practices and performance evaluation systems in renewable energy companies, contributing both theoretically and practically to the literature on organizational transformation in the energy sector. These conclusions are not only significant for Chinese enterprises but also offer important reference points for global energy companies undergoing similar transitions.

Perceived risks and benefits of telePrEP interventions: An interview study with rural sexual minority men in Texas.

Many rural areas lack brick-and-mortar HIV prevention resources despite the increasing rates of HIV. Although online HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) programs can potentially increase uptake among rural sexual minority men (SMM), their attitudes and preferences regarding telehealth-based PrEP (telePrEP) programming are uncertain. This qualitative study examined rural SMM's perceived risks and benefits of participating in a hypothetical telePrEP program. Twenty rural SMM living in Texas completed a semi-structured online videoconferencing interview between April 12 and June 14, 2023. Data were analyzed with reflexive thematic analysis. Four themes were constructed: (1) telePrEP interventions increase accessibility but completely online services might be inadequate; (2) telePrEP and mail-order interventions are convenient but face challenges; (3) telePrEP interventions need to address confidentiality and privacy within the context of the sociopolitical climate; and (4) telePrEP interventions need to address trustworthiness and transparency. Overall, our results indicate that rural SMM perceive telePrEP interventions that provide at-home and telehealth PrEP, HIV testing, and HIV care services as beneficial. However, overall utility and acceptability depend on perceptions of privacy, confidentiality, trustworthiness, and transparency. Given the HIV prevention and treatment service deserts in which many rural SMM live, telePrEP interventions must purposefully demonstrate how their operations and data will remain safe and secure. Further work should explore contextual or situational factors that influence the willingness and acceptability of rural SMM to participate in online HIV prevention intervention research studies.

Public Accountability in Financial Management Practice at Islamic Education Institutions: A Survey Research

This study examines the financial management practices of Islamic educational institutions, with a focus on public accountability. As financial transparency and accountability become increasingly important in educational organizations, it is essential to evaluate how Islamic institutions manage their financial resources. A survey research design was employed to assess perceptions of financial management accountability. Data were collected using a questionnaire distributed via Google Forms, with a sample size of 162 participants from various Islamic education institutions. The findings revealed that respondents generally hold positive views regarding the transparency of financial management practices at Islamic educational institutions. However, challenges in implementing these practices were also identified, such as limited financial training, technological infrastructure gaps, and insufficient stakeholder engagement. While the positive perception of transparency indicates a solid foundation for accountable financial management, the study highlights the need for further improvements. Recommendations include enhancing financial training, upgrading technology, increasing stakeholder involvement, and conducting regular financial audits. Additionally, institutions are encouraged to benchmark their practices against industry best standards to ensure ethical and efficient resource utilization. This research underscores the importance of fostering a culture of accountability in financial management within Islamic educational institutions. By addressing identified challenges and adopting the suggested improvements, these institutions can better ensure financial transparency and ethical resource management.

Post hoc explanations improve consumer responses to algorithmic decisions

Algorithms are capable of assisting with, or making, critical decisions in many areas of consumers’ lives. Algorithms have consistently outperformed human decision-makers in multiple domains, and the list of cases where algorithms can make superior decisions will only grow as the technology evolves. Nevertheless, many people distrust algorithmic decisions. One concern is their lack of transparency. For instance, it is often unclear how a machine learning algorithm produces a given prediction. To address the problem, organizations have started providing post-hoc explanations of the logic behind their algorithmic decisions. However, it remains unclear to what extent explanations can improve consumer attitudes and intentions. Five experiments demonstrate that algorithmic explanations can improve perceptions of transparency, attitudes, and behavioral intentions – or they can backfire, depending on the explanation method used. The most effective explanations highlight concrete and feasible steps consumers can take to positively influence their future decision outcomes.

Analysis of Consumer Perceptions of Financial Transparency in Insurance Product Marketing Practices in Indonesia

This study examines how Indonesian consumers perceive financial transparency in insurance product marketing and how it impacts trust and loyalty. It explores the role of cultural, religious, and financial literacy factors in shaping these perceptions, offering insights into the broader dynamics of consumer behavior. Using a systematic literature review approach, the research analyzes secondary data from previous studies on transparency, trust, and insurance marketing. The findings indicate that clear and accessible communication about policy terms, costs, and benefits positively influences trust. When transparency aligns with cultural and religious expectations, it significantly enhances loyalty. The study also highlights that consumers with higher financial literacy are more critical in assessing transparency, while those with lower literacy tend to rely more on trust. The results support the hypothesis that transparency fosters trust and long-term loyalty within the insurance industry. Practical implications suggest that insurance companies, particularly in emerging markets like Indonesia, should prioritize transparent communication strategies that align with consumers’ cultural and religious values to build competitive advantages. Future research should explore transparency across different regions and the role of digital tools in enhancing transparency.

Impact of Display Sub-Pixel Arrays on Perceived Gloss and Transparency.

In recent years, improvements in display image quality have made it easier to perceive rich object information, such as gloss and transparency, from images, known as shitsukan. Do the different display specifications in the world affect their appearance? Clarifying the effects of differences in pixel structure on shitsukan perception is necessary to realize shitsukan management for displays with different hardware structures, which has not been fully clarified before. In this study, we experimentally investigated the effects of display pixel arrays on the perception of glossiness and transparency. In a visual evaluation experiment, we investigated the effects of three types of sub-pixel arrays (RGB, RGBW, and PenTile) on the perception of glossiness and transparency using natural images. The results confirmed that sub-pixel arrays affect the appearance of glossiness and transparency. A general relationship of RGB > PenTile > RGBW for glossiness and RGB > RGBW > PenTile for transparency was found; however, detailed analysis, such as cluster analysis, confirmed that the relative superiority of these sub-pixel arrays may vary depending on the observer and image content.

From code to coin: Unravelling the practical business impact of algorithmic pricing

This paper examines the impact of algorithmic pricing on company value and presents the results of 31 expert interviews in various industries. The focus is on nine hypotheses, including the efficiency of automation, segmentation and value-based pricing, efficient resource allocation, perception of fairness, price transparency and uncertainty, the use of personal data and price competition. The surveys show that algorithmic pricing has considerable potential for efficiency gains through automation, particularly in terms of revenue growth. The potential for cost savings, however, varies from sector to sector. Segmentation and value-based pricing are proving to be feasible, but their implementation requires clear justification and economic rationale. Efficient resource allocation through dynamic pricing shows potential, especially in industry-specific scenarios. The perception of unfairness can have a negative impact, however, and personalised pricing risks alienating customers and reducing business value. Price transparency and uncertainty have a mixed effect, as customers often place more value on the transparency of alternative offers than on the company’s pricing process. The use of personal data poses a low risk to company value if it is transparent and mutually beneficial. The potential intensification of competition through algorithmic pricing depends on the market structure and the company’s objectives; however, algorithmic pricing can be used as an instrument to reduce price competition and increase company value. Overall, the results make it clear that the integration of algorithmic pricing strategies must be carefully and ethically designed in order to sustainably increase company value.

The Relationship Between Citizen Perceptions on Government Transparency and Economic Development: A Case of Thika Town Sub-County, in Kiambu County, Kenya

This study examined the relationship between citizens' perception of government transparency and economic development in Thika Town Sub-County, Kiambu County, Kenya. The data collected on the first objective are explained in this section. Financial constraints were found to hinder citizens' ability and willingness to access resource allocation information, limiting their capacity to travel to county offices, access the internet, or purchase materials containing the relevant information. Despite this, respondents agreed to a great extent that the county government is transparent about how funds are spent in different sectors (mean = 3.7597, std. deviation = 0.69095), that the process for county resource allocation is clearly communicated to citizens (mean = 3.5581, std. deviation = 0.83128), and that information about how resources are allocated is easily accessible to the public (mean = 3.5116, std. deviation = 0.91101). The study’s third objective was to assess whether openness and transparency of the county's contracting and procurement practices influence economic development in Thika Town Sub-County in Kiambu County, Kenya. The findings were as follows. Concerning openness and transparency of county contracting and procurement practices, 63% of respondents indicated that information about county contracts and procurements is private, while 22% said it is available, and 15% were unsure. The majority of respondents (61%) indicated that the county's contracting and procurement processes are somewhat transparent, while 24% said they are very transparent, and 15% said they are not transparent at all. Even when information on county contracts and procurements is available, it may not be easily accessible due to bureaucratic hurdles, outdated or incomplete online resources, and the need for personal visits to county offices. Despite these challenges, respondents greatly agreed that the procurement and tendering process is open and transparent (mean = 3.7907, std. deviation = 0.78735), that increased transparency in contracting/procurement has benefited local businesses (mean = 3.7054, std. deviation = 0.80314), and that award criteria and selection methods are clearly defined and available (mean = 3.6419, std. deviation = 0.93763). The study concludes that while efforts exist to promote transparency in resource allocation, there are still gaps in the adequacy and accessibility of information. Financial constraints can be a barrier to citizens' engagement with government processes and access to information, potentially hindering their ability to hold the government accountable and contribute to economic development. The study concludes that addressing financial barriers and improving the accessibility and comprehensibility of resource allocation information could enhance citizens' participation and, consequently, economic development. The findings provide valuable insights for policymakers, civil society organizations, and citizens in Thika Town Sub-County and beyond, highlighting the need for a comprehensive and balanced approach to transparency reforms that prioritizes both information disclosure and citizen empowerment. The study concludes that by addressing the identified challenges and strengthening transparency and participation mechanisms, local governments can create a more conducive environment for sustainable economic growth and improve the lives of their citizens.

A Portable Technology for Measuring Haze Levels in Thick Laminated Glass Panels

Increasing security concerns and a trend towards larger glass panels are driving the adoption of thicker laminate glass panels in prominent architectural works worldwide. However, the polymeric materials used in these laminates can lead to haze, a detrimental optical defect that impairs transparency perception, particularly when used in thick, multi-layer laminates. This work presents a novel technology capable of accurately and robustly measuring haze in glass laminates of arbitrary thickness, based on using computer-vision to measure changes in contrast when viewing a standard mask through the material under controlled diffuse lighting conditions. Unlike previous approaches, this technology can be employed on installed glasses without requiring exposed edges for double-sided measurements, making it suitable for on-site work. The experimental evidence provided indicates that its precision and robustness are adequate for quality control.

Dynamic Pricing Promotion Strategies on Consumer Repeat Purchase Behavior in the United States

This study investigates the impact of dynamic pricing promotion strategies on consumer repeat purchase behavior in the United States. Employing a mixed-methods approach, we collected and analyzed quantitative survey data from 300 respondents, as well as qualitative insights from 15 in-depth interviews and two focus groups. Our findings indicate that personalized pricing is the most effective strategy, increasing repeat purchase likelihood by 25%, followed by demand-based pricing at 15%, and time-based pricing at 10%. The effectiveness of these strategies varies across different demographic segments, with personalized pricing being particularly effective among high-income and younger consumers. Additionally, consumer perceptions of fairness, transparency, and trust play a critical role in the acceptance and success of dynamic pricing strategies. The study highlights the need for businesses to prioritize these factors to build long-term customer loyalty and maximize profitability. Future research directions include longitudinal studies, experimental designs, and industry-specific analyses to further explore the dynamics of consumer behavior in response to dynamic pricing.

“Technopian but lonely investors?”: Comparison between investors and non-investors of blockchain technologies, cryptocurrencies, and non-fungible tokens (NFTs) in Artificial Intelligence-Driven FinTech and decentralized finance (DeFi)

Drawing from the literature on decentralized finance (DeFi) and third-level digital (in)equality as well as from the emerging literature on artificial intelligence (AI), this study examined differences between investors and non-investors of blockchain technologies, cryptocurrencies, and non-fungible tokens (NFTs). Data from a cross-sectional survey among users of AI technologies (N = 502) indicate that investors of blockchain technologies, cryptocurrencies, and NFTs show higher blockchain transparency perception, greater trust in cryptocurrencies, and higher perceived asset value of NFTs than non-investors. Results also indicate that investors show greater technopian views on AI, higher AI awareness, and higher third-level AI equality than non-investors. Furthermore, the mediation effect of trust in cryptocurrencies on the relationship between investment status and perceived asset value of NFTs and the moderation effect of AI awareness on the relationship between investment status and third-level AI equality were revealed. Differential psychographics of investors versus non-investors were also found such that investors feel lonelier, experience higher existential isolation, and indicate higher need to belong than non-investors. Unique theoretical contributions to the literature on the intersection of DeFi and third-level digital (in)equality in light of AI-driven digital transformation as well as managerial implications for the emerging NFT FinTech marketplace are discussed.

The role of metaverse and blockchain in enhancing digital Islamic finance: empirical perspective

Purpose This study aims to investigate the connections between the adoption of technology, user experience (UX), financial transparency and accountability, specifically focusing on the moderating influence of cultural sensitivity in the Jordanian context. Design/methodology/approach This study gathered data from 272 participants who are working in the operational Islamic banks in Jordan. Partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) is used for the hypotheses testing. Findings The results indicate that cultural sensitivity plays a significant role in shaping the UX, consequently influencing perceptions of financial transparency and accountability in e-Islamic finance within the metaverse. This study underscores the intricate interplay between technological advancements, adherence to Sharia principles and diverse cultural expectations, forming the crux of the research. Originality/value This research brings a novel perspective by examining the complex connections among technology adoption, UX, financial transparency and accountability, specifically within the distinctive context of Jordan. This research study innovates by checking out how social sensitivity moderates these partnerships, specifically in the context of e-Islamic finance in the metaverse. It adds value to the academic area by shedding light on the intricate interaction between technological development, adherence to Sharia concepts and differing cultural expectations. Ultimately, this adds to a much deeper understanding of the multifaceted nature of this domain.

Message-sidedness in performance information disclosure and citizens’ perceived accountability

ABSTRACT Governments disclose performance information to citizens on the assumption that doing so helps improve public accountability. The previous literature implies that citizens’ interpretations of such information are shaped by the information’s presentation types, however, it is not known whether one-sided messages (only positive information) and two-sided messages (adding negative attributes to the one-sided messages) have different effects on citizens’ perceptions regarding government information disclosure. Drawing on attribution-correspondence theory and utilizing a large-scale survey experiment conducted in Korea, this study demonstrates that two-sided performance message is more effective in improving the citizens’ perceptions of governmental transparency and accountability than one-sided message.

Pengaruh Good Governance dalam Pengelolaan Dana Desa Terhadap Kepercayaan Masyarakat: Suatu Persepsi dari Masyarakat di Kecamatan Pantai Cermin

This study aims to determine the effect of good governance (perceived accountability, perceived transparency, and perceived responsiveness) in the management of village funds in Pantai Cermin District on public trust. This type of research is causative with a quantitative approach. The population in this study was the people of Pantai Cermin District with a sample of people who were or had completed their education at tertiary institutions. Primary data in this study were collected by distributing a 5-point Likert scale questionnaire. SPSS software version 24 is used as a tool in processing research data and multiple linear regression analysis is used as a data analysis technique in this study. The results of the study show that perceptions of accountability have no partial effect on public trust; conversely, perceptions of transparency and responsiveness influence public trust. Simultaneously the three components of good governance affect the community's trust in the village government in Pantai Cermin District.

Jambi Community Trust in Local Government; Mandatory Coronavirus-19 Vaccination

This study analyses the Jambi people's trust in the local government regarding the obligation to vaccinate against Covid-19. To make it easier for the public to access and complete voluntary questionnaires, one hundred respondents completed a survey using a Google form. This study used a quantitative method with four independent variables that influence perceptions of responsiveness, perceptions of accountability, perceptions of transparency, and perceptions of usability. The findings of this study indicate that perceived responsiveness and transparency have a positive and significant influence in encouraging Jambi people's trust. The achievement of p-value perceived responsiveness (0.026) and perceived transparency (0.014) means that the results are supported and accepted. Meanwhile, the variables perceived accountability (0.284), and perceived usefulness (0.078) indicate that these two variables have no significant effect and are rejected. Local governments need to pay attention to perceptions of responsiveness and perceptions of transparency so that the mandatory COVID-19 vaccination policy can work and be well received by the community and does not become a paradox of public administration.

Revolutionizing the restaurant industry: exploring the implementation and impact of blockchain technology on the dining experience

ABSTRACT This research conducted two studies on blockchain technology (BCT) in the restaurant supply chain. The first study explored how BCT influences customer dining experiences using a service design workshop. The second study validated the findings using PLS-SEM. Results indicate that customer innovativeness and cryptocurrency ownership positively impact transparency perceptions. Increased transparency improves food safety, quality, and naturalness perceptions, enhancing customer satisfaction and eWOM behavior. Food safety concerns and health consciousness strengthen the relationship between transparency and perceived food safety and quality. This research expands information processing theory and offers insights for restaurant owners, policymakers, and technology developers regarding BCT adoption.

The Mediating Role of Trust and its Relationship with the Perception of Convenience and Transparency on User Satisfaction of Electronic Procurement Services

Background – In the current 4.0 industrial revolution, the government is required to be able to create innovations including in public services based on information and communication technology. In addition, E-procurement is a form of innovation based on e-government which is almost entirely accomplished by making use of information and communication technology. Aim – This study aims to determine the effect of perceived convenience and transparency on Electronic Procurement Services or LPSE user trust, the effect of ease, transparency and trust on LPSE user satisfaction, the impact of trust in mediating the effect of perceived convenience on LPSE user satisfaction, and the role of trust in mediating the effect of transparency on LPSE user satisfaction. Design / Methodology / Approach – Respondents in this study were businessmen and consultants who had participated in tenders within the Ministry of Religion D. I. Yogyakarta as many as 180 respondents using the accidental sampling technique. A quantitative method of SEM and AMOS was applied in the study. Findings – From the tested and collected data, the results show that ease and transparency perceptions affect positively and significantly on user trust. Furthermore, the feeling of convenience, transparency and trust bring a favorable and significant impact on user satisfaction. User satisfaction is unaffected by user perception through trust as an intervening variable. Research implication – Transparency has no impact on customer satisfaction through trust as an intervening variable. Limitations – Further research taking independent variables other than perceptions of convenience, transparency and trust.