Government Transparency Research Articles

Engineering Trust in Singapore’s Covid-19 Response

Scholars of trust and misinformation typically assume that the only two poles of legitimacy are democratic pluralism and scientific technocracy. This paper examines Singapore’s response to Covid-19 to argue that this nation-state instantiates an alternative ideal: political technocracy. Singapore’s ruling party of sixty years, the People’s Action Party (PAP), has long positioned itself as a long-term steward, whose authority rests on the trust it has cultivated among citizens, which it attributes to governmental transparency. We present a taxonomy of the state’s rhetorical strategies – ontological, moral, and statistical – to highlight the government’s active role in shaping public perceptions of national problems and the aptness of its policies. This taxonomy elucidates how Singapore’s political technocracy differs from scientific technocracy, while still highlighting the state’s strategic deployment of the rhetoric of science and ad hoc experts for legitimacy. In so doing, we invite further consideration of the relationships between science and public trust in illiberal authoritarian states.

Роль громадської сфери науки в контексті розвитку міст та громад: програма майбутнього

The article investigates the role of the public sphere of science in fostering the sustainable development of cities and communities, particularly in the context of the war in Ukraine. The full-scale war has led to severe disruptions, including the displacement of large numbers of people, which has strained local economies, and infrastructure. In this context, the article explores how science, through research, communication, and education, can address these challenges by driving innovation and fostering community resilience. The study draws attention to the significance of scientific literacy and public engagement in building trust between citizens, scientists, and policymakers, which in turn supports sustainable development and informed decision-making. Author of the research highlights the potential of the public sphere of science to enhance the quality of life by promoting innovation in urban management, infrastructure development, and community integration. This emphasizes the importance of strategic planning, the use of smart technologies, and interdisciplinary collaboration for effective city management and growth. The paper reviews recent literature and case studies, noting positive examples of how scientific communication and engagement contributed to economic development in regions. Despite the progress in recognizing the role of science, the study identifies several critical gaps, particularly the need for a more nuanced understanding of local cultural and social contexts, and a lack of empirical research on the integration of science into community decision-making. Moreover, the role of technology in facilitating public engagement with science and improving transparency in governance seems underexplored. The article concludes by providing recommendations for enhancing the impact of science on urban and community development, with a focus on increasing public engagement, fostering interdisciplinary collaboration, and leveraging technological solutions to drive sustainable growth.

Rancang Bangun Aplikasi Sistem Informasi Desa Berbasis Web di Desa Kalimati

This study focuses on designing and developing a web-based information system for Kalimati Village using the Rapid Application Development (RAD) method. Data collection was conducted through interviews and field observations to identify system requirements. The design process employed Unified Modeling Language (UML) to model system workflows and structures, including use case and activity diagrams. The system, built with the Laravel 10 framework, features village profiles, population data, news, galleries, MSMEs, and APBDesa management. Using the RAD method enabled rapid development with iterative feedback from stakeholders, ensuring the system met village needs. This web-based platform improves data management efficiency, enhances transparency, and provides easy digital access to essential information for residents. The implementation of this system supports modern, effective, and transparent village governance.

Impact of Accounting Information System and Transparency on Good Governance: A Study of Nizamabad Municipal Corporation in Telangana

In order to implement good governance, there are some concepts that have to be considered. The concepts of accountability and transparency are representing the quality of accounting information in any organization. Municipal administration accounting is closely linked with the implementation and accounting treatment in the public domain. It means that the purpose of Municipal Accounting is to provide the necessary information in order to manage the operations and allocation of resources entrusted to the organization appropriately, efficiently, and economically. It also aims at providing information to report accountability of the management in implementation and to report the results of operations regarding the use of public funds. The quality of Accounting Information System has a very important role in the creation of Transparency and Good Governance. This study is intended to investigate the Impact of Accounting Information System and Transparency on Good Governance in Nizamabad Municipal Corporation of Telangana State.

Peran Pilar Demokrasi dalam Meningkatkan Ketahanan Nasional di Tengah Tantangan Globalisasi

This research discusses the role of the pillars of democracy, namely the rule of law, community participation, and government transparency, in building Indonesia's national resilience in the era of globalisation. Using a qualitative approach based on literature analysis, this study finds that the rule of law supports social stability through the enforcement of justice, community participation strengthens government legitimacy, and transparency increases accountability and public trust. Global challenges such as economic dependency and radical ideologies require strengthening democracy through legal reform, political education, and administrative digitalisation. With this strategy, Indonesia can face the dynamics of globalisation while maintaining its national stability and sovereignty.

THE INTEGRATION OF ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE (AI) INTO EDUCATION SYSTEMS AND ITS IMPACT ON THE GOVERNANCE OF HIGHER EDUCATION INSTITUTIONS

Objective: The research aims to explore the integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) within educational systems and analyze its impact on the governance of higher education institutions (HEIs), particularly focusing on decision-making, data protection, and administrative efficiency. Theoretical Framework: The article presents key theories on the transformative role of AI in educational governance, particularly focusing on how AI-driven data analysis and automation enhance decision-making and administrative efficiency. It also addresses theories related to ethical governance, emphasizing data protection and equitable access within higher education institutions. Method: The research methodology in this article is based on a qualitative approach, combining a review of existing literature with case studies of AI implementation in educational contexts. This approach provides in-depth insights into the effects of AI on governance within higher education institutions. Results and Discussion: The research findings highlight that AI integration in higher education governance improves decision-making and operational efficiency through data-driven insights and automation. However, it also reveals challenges, particularly in data protection, ethical concerns, and shifting power dynamics within institutions. The study emphasizes the need for responsible and transparent AI governance to ensure balanced benefits across stakeholders. Research Implications: This research underscores the need for higher education institutions to adopt AI responsibly, balancing its potential to enhance governance and decision-making with rigorous ethical standards, especially in data privacy and equity. It calls on policymakers and administrators to develop frameworks that ensure AI-driven processes remain transparent, inclusive, and aligned with educational values. Originality/Value: The originality of this research lies in its focus on how AI specifically transforms governance in higher education institutions, going beyond general applications of AI in education to address ethical, operational, and decision-making challenges unique to institutional governance. It provides a nuanced perspective on balancing innovation with responsibility in an academic setting.

Overview of AI regulation in healthcare: A comparative study of the EU and South Africa

This article provides a comparative analysis of the regulatory landscapes governing artificial intelligence (AI) in healthcare in the European Union (EU) and South Africa (SA). It critically examines the approaches, frameworks and mechanisms each jurisdiction employs to balance innovation with ethical considerations, patient safety, data privacy and accountability. The EU’s proactive stance, embodied by the AI Act, offers a structured and risk-based categorisation for AI applications, emphasising stringent guidelines for risk management, data governance and human oversight. In contrast, SA’s regulatory environment is characterised by its infancy and lack of specificity, with existing legislation such as the National Health Act and the Medicines and Related Substances Act providing a foundational but limited framework for addressing the unique challenges posed by AI in healthcare. The article delves into the dynamic nature of AI technologies, highlighting the need for continuous risk assessment, the importance of transparent and responsible data governance and the critical role of human oversight in ensuring patient safety and autonomy. It discusses the obligation of clear liability frameworks to address potential malfunctions and security breaches in AI applications. Through this comparative lens, the manuscript identifies regulatory gaps and proposes that the South African Law Reform Commission (SALRC) should play a predominant role in developing draft legislation for AI prior to the evolution of challenges related to these technologies.

Role of Corporate Transparency on Financial Performance of Commercial Banks Listed in the Nairobi Security Exchange

Financial stability and integrity of the system heavily rely on corporate transparency. Despite existing regulatory requirements, persistent issues such as unclear financial statements, questionable accounting practices, and insufficient disclosures undermine investor confidence and market efficiency. These shortcomings can lead to conflicts of interest, mismanagement, and increased exposure to financial risks. The purpose of this study was to investigate the impact of corporate transparency on the performance of listed commercial banks in Kenya, specifically focusing on financial transparency and governance transparency. Guided by theories such as agency theory and stewardship theory, the study adopted a positivism research philosophy and a correlation design. The target population consisted of employees from listed commercial banks that have consistently operated on the securities exchange between 2008 and 2023. A census sampling method was employed, where data was collected from all 11 listed commercial banks in Kenya, using secondary data from financial reports, regulatory filings, and other publicly available sources from the period 2008 to 2023. Data analysis included descriptive and inferential statistics, such Pearson correlation, multiple regression, the coefficient of determination (R²) and p-values. The findings revealed a significant positive relationship between corporate transparency and commercial bank performance. Financial transparency and governance transparency were found to have positive and significant effects on commercial bank performance, with β coefficients of 0.553 and 0.728, respectively, and p-values < 0.05, leading to the rejection of the null hypotheses for both variables. Descriptive statistics indicated that listed commercial banks had an average return on capital employed (ROCE) of 7% annually, with a minimum of 9% and a maximum of 17%. Regression results demonstrated that 64.2% of the variation in bank performance could be explained by financial and governance transparency, with an adjusted R² of 61.2%. The study concluded that corporate transparency significantly enhances the performance of listed commercial banks and provides valuable insights to improve corporate governance and financial stability in Kenya’s banking sector.

Implementation of tourism village management policies based on Edward III's theory in Bintan Regency to achieve sustainable tourism

Tourism villages have emerged as a crucial source of local income in Bintan Regency, yet the policy implementation for managing these villages faces both practical and theoretical challenges. This research aims to analyze the implementation of public policies in the management of tourist villages in Bintan, using Edward III's theory as a framework. The research employs a descriptive qualitative method, utilizing both secondary data from government documents and primary data collected through interviews with key informants. The findings reveal that although Bintan’s tourism villages are generally managed effectively, several obstacles still hinder their full potential. These challenges include limited human resources, inadequate infrastructure, budgetary constraints, and social conflicts within the community. The study highlights the importance of communication as a key factor in policy implementation, where efficient and effective communication between stakeholders can improve service quality in the tourist villages. It also raises community awareness about the preservation of the environment and local culture, which are vital for attracting tourists. Moreover, the availability of both human and natural resources plays a significant role in enhancing tourist experiences. The attitudes and dispositions of tourism village managers are also essential in fostering an environment that supports environmental conservation and cultural heritage. The research underscores the need for a structured bureaucratic framework, characterized by clear policy hierarchies, active community involvement, government transparency, and better collaboration among agencies. To promote sustainable tourism in Bintan, this study recommends that the government provide training and support to local communities.

Leveraging geographic information systems and data analytics for enhanced public sector decision-making and urban planning

Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and data analytics are revolutionizing public sector governance and urban planning by providing innovative tools for data-driven decision-making. This review explores the integration of GIS and data analytics as a means to address complex challenges in resource management, crisis response, environmental sustainability, and urban development. GIS enables spatial data collection, visualization, and analysis, while advanced data analytics, including predictive models and machine learning, enriches decision-making processes by uncovering actionable insights from diverse datasets. Applications in public governance include optimizing resource allocation, enhancing emergency response strategies, and managing environmental impacts. In urban planning, GIS facilitates land use management, infrastructure development, and the creation of smart cities powered by the Internet of Things (IoT). The review highlights successful case studies, showcasing how cities worldwide have leveraged these technologies to achieve sustainable development and improve the quality of life for their residents. Despite their potential, the implementation of GIS and data analytics faces challenges such as data quality issues, financial and technical constraints, privacy concerns, and resistance to change within bureaucratic systems. This review discusses these barriers and offers insights into overcoming them through advancements in technology, collaborative governance models, and increased stakeholder engagement. This concludes by emphasizing the transformative role of GIS and data analytics in fostering more transparent, efficient, and sustainable urban governance. By embracing these tools, public sector entities can better anticipate and address societal needs, paving the way for more resilient and inclusive communities. Future opportunities include leveraging artificial intelligence, expanding GIS use cases, and fostering international collaboration to further enhance public sector and urban planning outcomes.

UN SDG 3 and Context-specific effects of stakeholder engagement on health care service delivery and policy implementation: A local government health sector case study in Pakistan’s Complex Governing Structure

In this study effects of context-specific stakeholder involvement in implementing the health care related policies as well as providing health care services in the Gujrat, Pakistan local government's health sector is empirically explored. Semi-structured interviews were used to collect qualitative dataset from government bureaucrats, healthcare providers and civic representatives. The study found enhanced operational efficiency, better health outcomes are outcomes of successful stakeholder engagement achieved through collaborative partnerships and participatory methods. Conversely, these improvements face major complications due to resistance from some stakeholders who are motivated by entrenched malpractices and political agendas. This study highlights importance of inclusive and transparent governance system by classifying strategies for incorporating stakeholder interest/s, concerns into policy-making. Current paper advances study of stakeholder theory by highlighting significance of addressing power dynamics and consequences of stakeholder involvement in health sector.

Pembentukan Karakter Integritas dan Nilai-Nilai Cinta Tanah Air Melalui Sosialisasi Pendidikan Dini Antikorupsi

Introduction: Corruption in Indonesia is increasingly pervasive, prompting the President to declare a war on corruption. Anti-corruption education plays a crucial role in combating this issue. One effective strategy is to engage Gen Z in anti-corruption efforts, leveraging their ability to rapidly disseminate information through online platforms, which can significantly contribute to preventing and eradicating corruption as a form of love for Indonesia's homeland.Purposes of Devotion: To enhance and motivate students to participate in anti-corruption efforts in alignment with the characteristics and strengths of Gen Z. Method of Devotion: The initiative involves in-person sessions with speakers, followed by interactive discussions where participants have the opportunity to ask questions about the role of Gen Z in combating corruption, tailored to their specific characteristics and advantages.Results of the Devotion: Students at SMP Negeri 27 Maluku Tengah gained a deeper understanding of the importance of anti-corruption education in shaping anti-corruption character and became more engaged in anti-corruption efforts. The creativity and innovation of Gen Z students, coupled with their proficiency in communication and information technology, position them as key players in preventing and addressing corruption. Their ability to swiftly spread information via online platforms, such as social media, can be harnessed to advocate for integrity and transparency in government and public institutions. Educational initiatives, empowerment, and support for anti-corruption efforts can further strengthen the positive role of Gen Z in promoting societal integrity and welfare.

Enhancing Public Service Delivery and Citizen Participation: The Synergistic Effects of E- Governance and Social Media

This study investigates the effects of social media and e-governance on public service delivery and citizen engagement in the Philippines. It is based on the idea that digital technology can enhance the efficiency, transparency, and trustworthiness of government, thus using the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT2) to identify key factors driving adoption among citizens and government bodies. E-governance decreases the costs, errors, and delay in service delivery among Laguna residents, according to data from a survey. Public participation is enhanced by social media with more satisfaction and trust than other traditional media. Together, these tools improve the responsiveness of public policy and effectiveness to the public. Challenges such as infrastructural limitation, digital resistance, and privacy concerns have however been facing full adoption. Policymakers should remove the above barriers to ensure a totally realized benefit of digital governance for a more transparent, efficient, and participatory government.

Do Long-Term Institutional Shareholders Always Vote in Favour of Board Recommendations? The Moderating Effect of Cash Holdings

This article aims to examine the voting behaviour of long-term institutional shareholders towards board recommendations on management proposals and resolutions and how the potential agency costs could moderate such voting behaviour. This study is conducted using all corporate capital proposals put to vote by management during the annual general meetings (AGM) of publicly listed firms on the London Stock Exchange over a period of 17 years from 2000 to 2016. Building on agency theory and the concept of the monitoring function of institutional shareholders, this study finds that long-term institutional shareholders do support board recommendations on management proposals, but potential agency concerns linked to excess cash holding can negatively moderate this relationship. Additional analysis reveals that this moderating effect is observed only for management proposals related to cash inflows, specifically after the 2007–2009 financial crisis. This study highlights the importance of long-term institutional shareholders actively monitoring firms’ cash holdings and using voting to address agency concerns while advising corporate managers to optimise cash management and stay attuned to shareholder preferences. For policymakers, the research suggests promoting transparency in corporate governance and strengthening shareholder engagement to reduce agency problems and improve governance. Several robustness tests are conducted, and the results support our predictions.

APIP's Role in SPIP to Support Defense Force Development

Law No. 1 of 2004 mandates accountable and transparent management of state finances in Indonesia. To ensure compliance, efficiency, and good governance, the effective implementation of APIP (Aparat Pengawasan Intern Pemerintah or Internal Government Auditors) is crucial. Enhancing the role of APIP is necessary to address the low quality of state financial management, ensure accountability, and support bureaucratic reform for transparent and efficient governance. Purpose: This study aims to analyze the role of APIP within the SPIP (Sistem Pengendalian Intern Pemerintah or Government Internal Control System) framework to support the development of Indonesia's defense forces. The research employs a qualitative descriptive method to explore the role and impact of APIP in state financial management and defense force development. Results: The study reveals a significant improvement in the capabilities of APIP over recent years. In 2015, 85.23% of APIP units were only at capability level 1, which indicates basic operations without full adherence to professional standards. By 2022, 54.74% of APIP units had reached capability levels above 3, indicating compliance with professional standards, enhanced risk management, and improved organizational governance. This increase in capability supports more robust oversight, particularly in the Ministry of Defense and the Indonesian Armed Forces, where APIP plays a vital role in overseeing budget management, the modernization of defense equipment, and the improvement of human resources. Conclusion: While the improvement in APIP capabilities enhances effectiveness, the assessment of efficiency in state financial management remains underemphasized. Addressing this gap is essential for the country's financial reforms aimed at improving public services and ensuring fiscal sustainability. APIP not only maintains integrity, transparency, and accountability but also supports the development of defense forces through comprehensive financial, management, and social audits. The focus on both efficiency and effectiveness is critical to strengthening the relevance of these findings in achieving sustainable governance and defense objectives.

Exploration of the application of blockchain in e-government: Opportunities and risks coexist

Blockchain technology provides a technical solution for the challenges faced by e-government, such as low efficiency, excessive energy consumption, and lack of trust mechanisms. It can promote the establishment of a more efficient and high-quality government service system, thereby enhancing the public trust of the government. Although blockchain technology provides theoretical innovation to traditional governance structures with its decentralization, consensus mechanisms, and enhanced trust, its impact and ability to transform existing governance structures still have limitations in practical applications. Based on an in-depth analysis of the concept and application boundaries of blockchain, this article explores its value in the field of e-government. At the same time, it systematically proposes strategic suggestions to promote the development of blockchain technology in the field of e-government from multiple aspects such as institutional construction, technical standardization, and professional talent cultivation, in response to its limitations and application risks. By accelerating technology research and development and standard construction, strengthening high-level promotion, optimizing promotion competition mechanisms, and conducting rooted research, the application and promotion of blockchain in government governance can be accelerated, laying a solid foundation for building a future intelligent and transparent government service model.

Linking Operational Transparency and Trust in Government: The Mediating Roles of Information Quality and Perceived Effort

Purpose: This research empirically investigates the relationship between operational transparency and citizens' trust in their government through two mediation mechanisms, namely information quality and perceived effort.Study design/methodology/approach: Hypotheses were tested using regression-based mediation analysis, utilizing a series of OLS regression models. Moderated mediation was performed as an additional robustness check.Sample and data: Data were collected from 715 individuals who used a Kuwaiti government website or app within the six months prior to completing an online survey in early 2021.Results: Operational transparency was found to have both "direct" and "indirect" effects on trust. The indirect effects are notably channeled through the proposed mediating mechanisms, highlighting the roles of information quality and perceived effort as key mediators in the relationship between operational transparency and trust in government.Originality/value: The study extends existing research by specifically examining the mediation roles of information quality and perceived effort in the operational transparency-trust dynamic within e-government services. It also develops and validates a survey-based measure for perceived operational transparency, which can be used by researchers and practitioners aiming to gauge individual perceptions of operational transparency in service contexts.Research limitations/implications: Strengthening operational transparency can boost citizen trust in government services. Yet, the study’s findings are constrained by its cross-sectional design, highlighting the need for future research with different methods and longer-term analyses.

Resurgence of Coup D'état in Africa in an Era of Mass Democratisation: A Study of Niger, Burkina Faso, and Mali Experiences

This study explores the recent occurrences of coups in Niger, Burkina Faso, and Mali, by examining their causes, implications, and potential solutions. Through a comprehensive analysis of historical, political, economic, and social factors, this research aims to provide insights into the root causes of coup d'états in these countries. It unveils the regional and global ramifications of these coups, as well as strategies for preventing future occurrences and promoting democratic governance. The theory of Democratic Backsliding, as articulated by Levitsky and Ziblatt (2001), formed the theoretical framework. The work concluded that coups d'états remain a persistent challenge to democratic governance and political stability in Africa, as evidenced by recent developments in Niger, Burkina Faso, and Mali. It was recommended among others that there is a critical need to strengthen democratic institutions and governance mechanisms. This entails bolstering the rule of law, ensuring transparent and accountable governance, and promoting inclusive political participation.

Data Ownership in the AI-Powered Integrative Health Care Landscape.

In the rapidly advancing landscape of artificial intelligence (AI) within integrative health care (IHC), the issue of data ownership has become pivotal. This study explores the intricate dynamics of data ownership in the context of IHC and the AI era, presenting the novel Collaborative Healthcare Data Ownership (CHDO) framework. The analysis delves into the multifaceted nature of data ownership, involving patients, providers, researchers, and AI developers, and addresses challenges such as ambiguous consent, attribution of insights, and international inconsistencies. Examining various ownership models, including privatization and communization postulates, as well as distributed access control, data trusts, and blockchain technology, the study assesses their potential and limitations. The proposed CHDO framework emphasizes shared ownership, defined access and control, and transparent governance, providing a promising avenue for responsible and collaborative AI integration in IHC. This comprehensive analysis offers valuable insights into the complex landscape of data ownership in IHC and the AI era, potentially paving the way for ethical and sustainable advancements in data-driven health care.

Influence of environmental, social and governance (ESG) disclosures on consumer brand perceptions and behavioral intentions

PurposeThis study investigates how consumers’ perceptions of brand prominence and credibility are influenced by companies’ disclosure of transparency and quality of environmental, social and governance (ESG) information. It also examines how regulatory focus influences the relationship between purchase intention and brand credibility.Design/methodology/approachThe study employs a quantitative approach, utilizing an online survey of 464 Taiwanese consumers. The data collected is analyzed using structural equation modeling (SEM) to evaluate the direct and indirect effects of perceived ESG information transparency and quality on brand prominence, brand credibility and purchase intentions.FindingsThe findings reveal that perceived transparency and quality of ESG information significantly enhance brand credibility and prominence. Consequently, increased brand credibility and prominence have a significant positive impact on consumer purchase intentions. Additionally, the study identifies a moderation effect, wherein a prevention regulatory focus strengthens the influence of brand credibility on purchase intentions.Originality/valueThis study contributes to the literature on brand management and consumer behavior by integrating regulatory focus theory with the impacts of ESG information. It provides new insights into how ESG-related communications influence consumer behavior, highlighting the importance of transparent and high-quality ESG data in fostering consumer trust and positive brand evaluations.