Institutional Transparency Research Articles

Improving The Quality Of Local Government Financial Reporting Through The Impact Of Internal Control System With Human Resource Competencies As A Moderator

Purpose: The increasing demand for transparency and accountability of the government institutions has led to an interesting discussion about the factors that affect the quality of government financial reports. This study examines the effect of the internal control system on the financial reports quality at Kudus Regency government agencies by raising human resource competency as a moderating variable. Methodology/approach: Questionnaires were distributed to all local government institutions and as many as 106 answers were returned for processing. Analysis using Partial least Square (PLS) for hypothesis testing. Findings: The results prove that the internal control system has a positive effect on the financial reports quality. However, in terms of moderating effect, human resource competence in fact, weakens the influence of the internal control system on the quality of financial reports. Practical implications: By highlighting best practices from local government institutions, the results of this research are expected to become relevant considerations in determining strategy to improve local government services. Originality/value: This study raises the case of best practice in the Kudus Regency Government, which in 2022 received an Unqualified Opinion from the Indonesian Audit Board on their Regional Government Financial Report for the 2021 fiscal year. The Unqualified opinion in Kudus Regency is the tenth consecutive achievement, making this research interesting and has become a model for other local governments.

MUTU PERGURUAN TINGGI: PERSPEKTIF PERINGKAT UNIVERSITAS GLOBAL DAN AKREDITASI PERGURUAN TINGGI DI INDONESIA

World Class University (WCU) is the dream of all universities in the world, one of the indicators is the global ranking of universities carried out by university rating agencies in the world. The purpose of this study is to explore how the quality of higher education in Indonesia is viewed from the perspective of accreditation and university rankings at the world level. The methodology used is literature studies analysis and other documents. The focus of the analysis is on the official website of university ranking system at the global level and other media announcements to evaluate the relationship between university rankings and college accreditation on the quality of universities. The results of the study are 1). There is no standard indicator of measuring the quality of education as an objective general guideline. 2). Even though the international university rating agencies have different methodologies, both categories and performance indicators used, they have a relationship with the achievement of quality measures. 3). Higher education rankings provide a quantitative external view of the transparency of higher education institutions while quality assurance instruments cover both external and internal institutions. The Government and other policy makers should pay attention to the accreditation factor and the quality assurance system of these universities in making strategic policies, not only by looking at the ranking of universities at the global level.

PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION AND GOVERNANCE IN AFRICAN PERSPECTIVES: CHALLENGES AND RECOMMENDATIONS

The democratic transition on the African continent has been accompanied by problems of poor governance, poor administration, third terms and centralized power, electoral administration conundrums, and corruption. This paper examines the overarching problems in Africa, including electoral challenges, the third term and centralization of power, societal, social, and economic governance, and the death of ethics. This is a desktop study, also known as a conceptual study, that is based on Asante's Afrocentricity Theory, which provides pedagogical thinking about power, dominance, racism, and the need to escape victimization. The findings of the article reveal that many African countries, including South Africa, Zimbabwe, Uganda, and Nigeria, face significant challenges due to poor governance and maladministration. The paper concludes by stating that to address the challenge of poor governance and maladministration in African countries, a multifaceted approach is necessary. One potential innovative solution is to increase transparency and accountability in government institutions using technology and data-driven decision-making. This could involve the implementation of digital systems for monitoring and reporting on government activities as well as the creation of independent oversight committees to ensure public officials are held accountable for their actions.

As redes sociais digitais como canais de transparência da informação: uma proposta de parâmetros de avaliação de uso

The growing appreciation of democratic precepts and consequent increase in civil participation in public decision-making, combined with the emergence of new digital information and communication channels, resulted in a paradigm shift that reframed administrative transparency policies, demanding greater attention to production, dissemination and use of public data and information. This study maps evaluation parameters that monitor the quality of info-communicational services mediated by digital social networks as institutional transparency channels. A documentary, descriptive, quantitative and qualitative research was conducted to integrate indicators and criteria used to evaluate info-communicational services on transparency websites and portals to the use guidelines of institutional social networks. The main scientific findings are presented in two tables. The first summarizes the informational framework used as the basis for mapping and consolidating the indicators; the second presents the indicators and their respective evaluation criteria. The five indicators identified seek to assess communicability, accessibility, usability, reliability, and transparency in social channels. Guiding and evaluating the use of digital social networks is paramount for the alignment of services provided by the Public Administration with its own objectives and strategies, with legal provisions and with societal expectations. Besides validating the use of these channels as institutional info-communicational tools, defining these parameters fills a gap in terms of administrative transparency.

Enhancing institutional quality to boost economic development in developing nations: New insights from CS-ARDL approach

Institutional quality (IQ) plays a crucial role in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals. IQ is fundamental to SDG’s 16, which promotes peaceful and inclusive societies, provides access to justice, and builds effective, accountable, and transparent institutions. Countries with strong institutions that uphold the rule of law, protect human rights, and combat corruption are more likely to achieve this goal and promote economic development. Therefore, this study examines the relationship between IQ and economic development, as measured by the human development index (HDI), in 70 developing countries between 2002 and 2018. To achieve the above mention objective, various econometric techniques were employed, including CIPS unit root, Westerlund (2007) co-integration, and Cross-sectional Augmented Autoregressive Distributed Lag, and robustness analysis conducted using Fully Modified Ordinary Least Square, Dynamic Ordinary Least Square, Augmented Mean Grouped, Impulse Response Function, and Variance Decomposition Analysis panel estimators. The study found that IQ and globalization have a positive, while inflation, unemployment, and corruption have a negative impact on HDI. The estimates from the Impulse Response Function show that IQ positively influences HDI from 2019 to 2028. Additionally, the Variance Decomposition Analysis reported that around 38% of the variations in HDI can be attributed to changes in IQ. To improve IQ, transparency must be prioritized as it is the foundation of IQ enhancement. Similarly, measures must be taken to combat corruption, and strong administrative intervention is required to advance economic development. These findings suggest that policymakers must prioritize improving institutional quality and fighting corruption to promote economic development in developing countries.

A New Perspective on Historical Theories of Poverty

The current study aims to examine poverty theories in light of new perspectives and approaches. The methodology used for this research, that is solely qualitative, is based on the literature. The study explores a variety of theories on poverty, including classical, neoclassical, Keynesian, Marxist/radical, monetary, cultural, ecological, economic, political and the theory of social exclusion and social capital. Some policy measures are suggested to overcome poverty such as economic growth must benefit all citizens through progressive tax systems, education, health, and work opportunities, improving infrastructure and local industries competitiveness, increased transparency, stricter enforcement, and strengthening of institutions to prevent corruption, encourage political participation through voter education, parties, and debate, encourage trade, investment, renewable energy sources, and self-help strategies to reduce poverty.

Akuntabilitas Dan Transparansi Lembaga Pengelola Zakat Melalui Zakat Core Principles Dan PSAK 109

This study aims to determine how the implementation of the Basic Principles of Zakat and PSAK 109 can create accountability and transparency in zakat management institutions. Accountability and transparency are important issues in zakat management governance because they are related to public trust, zakat management agencies in order to improve accountability and transparency must prepare financial reports in accordance with applicable standards, namely PSAK accounting for zakat, infaq and sadaqah 109. In the governance of zakat, the standard of zakat management is introduced, namely the Zakat Core Principle (ZCP). This research method is qualitative research using library research methods, by collecting data related to the object of research in the form of books, manuscripts, periodicals or magazines, or collecting data in the form of literature, to solve a fundamental problem based on critical analysis and analysis of relevant in-depth knowledge about library materials. The findings of this study indicate that the implementation of Zakat Core Principles (ZCP) and PSAK 109 Accounting for Zakat can support the accountability and transparency of zakat management bodies. Among the zakat core principles, there are 6 principles related to zakat management, which reflect accountability and transparency.

How the exercise of the right to information (RTI) affects trust in political institutions

Various countries throughout the world have enacted transparency reforms, especially reforms oriented toward increasing access to government information (right to information, RTI). While researchers have published thorough examinations of the impact of such reforms, no study to date has surveyed how the successful exercise of this RTI affects institutional trust. Using a field experiment in Chile, Peru, and Uruguay to elicit information requests, we identify the effect of the successful exercise of RTI on individuals' trust in and perceptions of the transparency of institutions in these countries. Our findings indicate a need to differentiate between how the successful exercise of RTI affects individuals' trust in a specific institution— and especially their perception of its transparency—and how it affects trust in and perceived transparency of governmental institutions in general.

The new trends of digital transformation and artificial intelligence in public administration

Digital transformation and artificial intelligence are major challenges for a diversity of fields. The central and local administrations of the states need major and deep structural changes to reduce bureaucracy and public expenses, but also to significantly improve the quality of services, productivity, accessibility, and transparency of public institutions. Digitization and artificial intelligence are gradually integrated into state administrations and the governance process, and the results obtained confirm a visible increase in managerial, economic, and social efficiency. These aspects determine state governments to progressively design and implement strategies for digitalization and artificial intelligence within public services. Public investments needed for these changes are necessary for the sustainable development of the public sector. EU states are encouraged to make massive public investments to integrate artificial intelligence applications in public services and to operationalize digital transformations necessary for efficient and intelligent public administrations.

Is saving the non-renewable resources worthwhile? Evidence of paradox of plenty on human capital development

This study highlights the resource curse attached to the renewable energy abundance in low middle income countries. Renewable energy abundance diverts the focus of policies and investments from human capital development to the export of energy to high income countries who aim to diversify their energy mix for sustainable growth. This study analyses 76 low-middle income countries from 2010 to 2021 for energy curse channeled through low human capital development in the long run. This study incorporates the renewable energy curse into a Cobb-Douglas function and uses Index for human capital as a proxy for human capital development in a pooled fixed effects model. The results align with the expected hypotheses that renewable energy abundance negatively impacts human capital development, persistently, while we control for technology, infrastructure, health, energy poverty and FDI. The results call for policy implications that may help these countries to seek development in skill development, technological progress, manufacturing of renewable energy equipment and transparency of institutions as a strategy to cope up with the curse in the long run.

Assessing the Impact of Audit Quality on Accountability and Transparency among Financial Institutions in the United States: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

This study conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis on the impact of audit quality on accountability and transparency among financial institutions in the United States. By synthesizing empirical evidence from relevant literature, the study aimed at providing a comprehensive understanding of the relationship between audit quality and financial reporting practices in the banking and financial sector. This research not only evaluated the effectiveness of current auditing standards but also offers valuable insights for policymakers, regulators, and industry stakeholders seeking to enhance the overall quality and trustworthiness of financial reporting. The review methodology involved a rigorous selection process to identify and analyze relevant studies that have investigated the relationship between audit quality, accountability, and transparency in financial institutions. By aggregating the findings of these studies, the study conduct a meta-analysis to identify trends, patterns, and areas of consensus or divergence. This approach enabled the researcher to assess the strength and generalizability of the evidence, as well as highlight potential gaps in the literature. The findings of the study revealed a significant positive association between audit quality and the level of accountability and transparency in financial institutions. Enhanced audit quality leads to more accurate financial reporting, which in turn strengthens the trust of stakeholders in the financial sector. The meta-analysis also identified the effectiveness of a risk-based audit approach, the importance of auditor independence, and the need for greater regulatory oversight in fostering higher-quality audits. Furthermore, study observed a positive relationship between transparency in the auditing process and stakeholder trust, underscoring the importance of robust disclosure requirements. The study concludes by providing recommendations for improving audit quality, promoting transparency, and strengthening accountability among financial institutions in the United States. Keywords: Audit quality, accountability, financial transparency, financial growth

Assessing The Extent of Disclosure and Information Asymmetry in Malaysian Zakat Institutions

The issue of accountability has attracted numerous debates in academic literature across the globe, including Religious Non-Profit Organisations (RNPOs), which in this case are zakat institutions (ZIs). As revealed in previous literature, zakat payers (ZPs) and zakat recipients (ZRs) have discussed the accountability and transparency of zakat institutions (ZIs) in disclosing zakat disbursement information. Since ZIs fall under the jurisdiction of various Malaysian states, this study believes that the issue has emerged due to inconsistencies in disclosure practices among zakat institutions. This study has gained insight into the accountability of zakat institutions (ZIs) when reporting zakat activities via annual reports. It also examined the existence of information asymmetries between agency parties realising such inconsistencies and the limited number of studies in this area. The findings from the semi-structured interviews showed that ZIs' accountability level was still unsatisfactory, as revealed by individual zakat payers (IZPs) and ZRs. Among the issues highlighted were inadequate information and the availability and accessibility of information. It was also found that there was asymmetrical information among agency parties. The study's results have enriched the existing corpus of knowledge on accountability from an Islamic perspective and agency theory in the context of zakat disclosure.

Accelerating systems thinking in health: Perspectives from the region of the Americas.

The Systems Thinking Accelerator (SYSTAC) is a community to engage, connect and collaborate to elevate the field of systems thinking with a focus on low- and middle-income countries, highlighting the need to identify existing capacities within research and at the practice level. The study aimed to explore if there is a perceived need for and benefit from the application of Systems Thinking tools for analysis and diagnosis of problem-solving within Healthcare in the Region of the Americas in 2021 and the existing capabilities. The identification and deconstruction of the needs, demands, and opportunities regarding systems thinking in the Americas were approached by: (i) adapting the tools and Systems Thinking definition to reflect regional nuances, (ii) identifying stakeholder exercise, (iii) needs assessment survey distribution, (iv) stakeholder mapping analysis, (v) workshop. More information on the adaptation and execution of each tool can be found below. 123 stakeholders were identified, of which 40 participated in the needs assessment survey. 72% of respondents indicated little knowledge of the tools and approaches of systems thinking but a high interest in developing them, as stated by 87% of respondents. Qualitative tools were most frequently used, such as brainstorming, problem trees, and stakeholder mapping. Systems thinking is mainly used when conducting research, implementing, and evaluating projects. A clear need and want for training and developing capacities in health systems thinking were identified. However, in practice, systems thinking faces challenges like resistance to change and to the transformation of health processes, barriers at the institutional level, and other administrative disincentives that hinder its application, being institutional transparency, political will, and the articulation of the actors the main challenges. Strengthening and building personal and institutional capacities in systems thinking theory and practice requires overcoming challenges such as lack of transparency and inter-institutional cooperation, the low political will to implement it, and difficult stakeholders' integration. As a first step, it is crucial to understand further the stakeholder network and the capacity needs of the region, gain buy-in from strategic players to establish the use of system thinking as a priority, and develop a roadmap.

On citizens' right to information: Justification and analysis of the democratic right to be well informed

On citizens' right to information: Justification and analysis of the democratic right to be well informed

Memaknai Transparansi Internet Financial Reporting Lembaga Amil Zakat Melalui Konsep Amanah dan Tablig

The limited transparency of amil zakat institutions, especially on financial aspect, has an impact on public trust and their ability to survive considering all funds come from the public. The purpose of this study is to reveal the meaning of transparency through online financial reporting based on the concept of trust and tabligh. Being in a religious interpretive paradigm, this study employs qualitative approach. Data collection was carried out by interviewing managers and from archives of published financial reports on the LAZ Dompet Dhuafa Republika website. The results show that transparency is interpreted as the principle of responsibility in overcoming transparency obstacles, transparent content as institutional morality, and media transparency as institutional attachment which should be carried out continuously

Transparency Versus Populism

This article theorizes and analyzes the relationship between populist leaders and government transparency. Employing a paired comparison of leaders in Brazil and the United States before and during the pandemic, it illuminates three interlocking tactics: (a) the weakening of transparency institutions, (b) erasure and suppression of transparency, and (c) corruption of transparency via misuse and misinformation. Populist efforts to subvert pandemic transparency elicited a striking response in both countries: the emergence of “compensatory transparency initiatives” (CTIs). By collating and disclosing subnational pandemic data to fill transparency gaps at the federal level, CTIs drew attention to populist failings.

Perceptions of laboratory animal veterinarians regarding institutional transparency.

Institutions using animals for research typically have a veterinarian who is responsible for the veterinary care programme and compliance with regulatory obligations. These veterinarians operate at the interface between the institution's animal research programme and senior management. Veterinarians have strong public trust and are well positioned to share information about animals used for scientific purposes, but their perspectives on sharing information with the public are not well documented and their perceptions of transparency may influence how institutional policies are developed and applied. The objective of our study was to analyse the perceptions of institutional transparency among laboratory animal veterinarians working at different universities. Semi-structured, open-ended interviews were used to describe perceptions of 16 attending veterinarians relating to animal research transparency. Three themes were drawn from the interviews: (i) reflections on transparency; (ii) reflections on culture; and (iii) reflections on self. Veterinarians reflected on their personal priorities regarding transparency and when combined with barriers to change within the institutions, sometimes resulted in reported inaction. For example, sometimes veterinarians chose not to pursue available opportunities for change at seemingly willing universities, while others had their initiatives for change blocked by more senior administrators. The sharing of information regarding the animals used for scientific purposes varied in how it was conceptualised by attending veterinarians: (i) true transparency; communication of information for the sake of openness; (ii) strategic transparency; attempt to educate people about animal research because then they will support it; (iii) agenda-driven transparency; selective release of positive stories to direct public opinion; and (iv) fearful non-transparency; not communicating any information for fear of negative opposition to animal research. Transparency was not perceived as an institutional priority by many of the veterinarians and a cohesive action plan to increase transparency that involves multiple universities was identified as a promising avenue to overcome existing barriers.

Вплив особливостей розвитку покоління Y на становлення сучасного міжнародного ринку праці

The digitalization of society and of economic processes in general has significantly influenced the formation of the modern labor market, which has led to the emergence of new social needs and necessities for new specialists and new market niches. In the peresented publication, the features of the modern labor market are considered from the point of view of demographic windows and features of the perception of modern generations. Since the beginning of the twentieth century, six generations have been distinguished, at present three generations are most involved in labor relations. Representatives of generation X are used to relying primarily on themselves. The opportunity to be realized, to express this very independence is important for such people also regarding their careers. Representatives of generation X will be more willing to do work that gives space for creativity and breadth of thought. If you do not give them such an opportunity, then they lose interest. For such people, it is important to always have a choice, an open perspective. One of the most notable features of Generation Y is the dependence on knowledge, which they find not in books from libraries, but on Internet resources. This is a generation that loves to learn, because studying for millennials is something interesting and peculiar. What used to be learned exclusively from teachers and tutors becomes easily accessible to the «upsilons». This leads to another feature of this generation – excessive trust in the information provided by online services, especially when there is no censorship. For this generation, self-realization comes to the fore. This is not to say that they are not interested in the family, but career growth still remains in the first place. Generation Z is characterized by the absolute absence of a well-defined life position. Unlike all their predecessors, the «zetas» are not motivated by either money or any career growth. Moreover, they are completely dependent and have constant need of someone to point them out what they should do. They love to learn, quickly acquire new knowledge. Large amounts of information appear of no difficulty for them. «Zetas» are distinguished by their incredible multitasking and creativity. They love to find solutions in difficult situations and solve the most complex problems. Having identified the main features of generations, it can be noted that the formation of the modern labor market depends on many circumstances of the formation of the modern digital world. Thus, this process is significantly influenced by the digitalization strategy implemented by national governments to ensure the competitiveness of national economies. At this, too, a digital economy with a significant focus on inclusiveness can increase the influence of natural monopolies and promote concentration, which in the absence of effective and transparent institutions in society can lead to increased control on the part of the State and subordination of politics to the interests of the relevant elites.

Institucije - temelj ekonomskog i pravnog poretka

Good institutions are charaterized with three atributes: 1. they establish and protect property rights; second, thery restrict elites which strive to expropriate income and property of others members of society; third, thery provide equal chances for employment of labour and investment of capital. Good institutions contribute to political stability, succesfull macroeconomic policy and enhance initiatives for employment and investment. It is neccessary to include in national constitutions as highest ligel act of each state specific article which will stipulate following: (1) basic goals of regulatory bodies such as "promoting and directing market development of regulated industry on the principles of non-discrimination and effective competition, monitoring the implementation of regulations in regulated industry, ensuring the regular supply of goods and services to consumers and their protection and equal position, as well as other activities stipulated by specific industry laws": (2) basic principles of regulatory bodies activities such as (a) independence - personal, financial and policy and (b) accountability to parliament. In relevant separate legal acts specific articles should be included with more detailed stipulation of procedures for establishing and enforcing 1. independance, 2. accountability to parliament, and 3. transparency of regulatory institutions.

Perception of Financial Well-Being of the Elderly and the Role of Propensity to Indebtedness and Financial Preparation for Retirement

This study aimed to check the impact of financial preparation for retirement and the propensity to indebtedness on the perception of financial well-being in the elderly. A survey-type research was carried out with 885 individuals aged 60 years or older, living in Brazil, regardless of whether they are retired or not. Confirmatory factor analysis and structural equation modelling were used. The results indicated that the construct propensity to indebtedness has a negative impact on financial preparation for retirement and on the perception of financial well-being. The elderly are approaching retirement with a savings deficit and are heavily dependent on income from social security programs to support their families. Furthermore, the positive impact of financial preparation for retirement on the perceived financial well-being was found. Such findings highlight the importance of regulations that deal with the limit of credit supply and that prioritize the requirement of transparency of financial institutions in the disclosure to the less enlightened public. Therefore, it is essential to develop public policies to control indebtedness and incentives for financial preparation for retirement for the elderly in order to achieve better levels of Financial Well-being. Keywords: perception of financial well-being, financial preparation for retirement, propensity to indebtedness, elderly, personal finance DOI: 10.7176/RHSS/13-2-04 Publication date: January 31 st 2023