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NEW Transparency and the NEWORKer

There are a number of definitions that can be applied to the transparency of a NEWORKer's contribution to a business

  • clearness, honesty, and openness
  • Easily seen through or detected;
  • obvious:
  • Free from guile; candid or open:
  • transparent sincerity.

Transparency is about knowing what people's real motives are, what they really mean when they are doing something to or for you - and it's about the fact that we suspect that government, politicians, professionals don't reveal the real reasons for what they do. easily understood or seen through (because of a lack of subtlety)

According to Merriam-Webster's Dictionary, transparency derives from Medieval Latin trans- + parere, to show oneself; fine or sheer enough to be seen through; free from pretense or deceit; easily detected or seen through; readily understood.

Transparency is the principle that those affected by administrative decisions should be informed, and the duty of employees, managers, employers and trustees to act visibly, predictably and understandably. Transparency thus encompasses access, relevance, quality and reliability, and describes the increased flow of timely and reliable economic, social, and political information.

Transparency enables organisations -and the public- to make informed decisions, it improves the accountability of of individuals and organisations, and reducing the scope for corruption, dihonesty and deceit. Transparency is also essential to the economy: it improves resource allocation, enhances efficiency and increases growth prospects.

So, what is transparency? Synonyms include clear, frank and obvious.

Transparency is essential for good decision-making. All those involved in the process or assessing a decision must have access to information so that they may participate meaningfully in decision processes and make informed choices. Transparent decisions are more effective because they permit evaluation and strengthen institutional credibility and legitimacy. Transparent decisions are also thought to be more efficient by producing long term cost savings, efficient resource allocations and less duplication.

A transparent decision is "one that allows all people who are interested in a decision to understand what is being decided and why."

However, the meaning of the term transparency varies widely in decision-making literature ­ it is associated with a broad range of concepts, but no systematic definition has been compiled or tested with the public.

A Transparent decision shows clarity, integration, accessibility and logic

Clarity that

  • Is comprehensible/ intelligible
  • Contains no hidden meanings
  • Contains minimal jargon
  • Consolidated ­ described in a single document

Integration that

  • Describes and discloses decision process fully ­ i.e. is comprehensive
  • Contains detailed table of contents and indices
  • Provides references to additional information and source documentation
  • Explains relationship to other decisions and activities
  • Includes descriptive information (metadata) for electronic information

Accessibility that

  • Allows all to request and receive appropriate documents
  • Assists all in finding information
  • Helps all understand information
  • Promotes a dynamic dialogue among decision makers, technical specialists, stakeholders and groups (2-way information exchange).

Logic/Rationality that

  • Follows a rational defensible plan, clear to a broad array of stakeholders
  • Enables interested parties to track decisions, policies over time
  • Identifies decision milestones (points) and opportunities for involvement
  • Follows consistent, standardized, formalized, flexible, and expandable processes
  • Commits to scientific credibility (sound, dependable, leading edge)

So, where does the NEWORKer fit in? The NEWORKer in carrying out of the task is focussed on an outcome. The NEWORKer has nothing to hide. In presenting the completed contract, the NEWORKer is in a unique position to be able to leave all the information that was used behind meeting the requirements of clarity, integration, accessibility and logic.

 
 
   
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