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U4 Helpdesk Answer

Does more transparency improve accountability?

There is a general assumption about the positive effect of transparency on accountability. Even if, in theory, that link seems to be obvious, in practice the relationship is not always straightforward. Accountability and transparency can take different forms, and the relationship between them depends on the extent to which they are designed to support each other. Empirical studies show that, in some cases, transparency is a pre-condition of accountability. In other cases, transparency requirements can make accountability confusing and difficult to achieve. To be aware of the different types of accountability and transparency and how they can relate to each other is a first step towards more efficient accountability and transparency mechanisms.

18 November 2018
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Does more transparency improve accountability?

Main points

  • The relationship between transparency and accountability depends on how they are defined and demanded.
  • What and how information is released will determine what accountability is possible.
  • The type and direction of accountability expected will require a certain type of transparency.
  • To ensure a positive influence, transparency and accountability systems should be designed to support each other.

Cite this publication


Zúñiga, N. (2018) Does more transparency improve accountability? Bergen: U4 Anti-Corruption Resource Centre, Chr. Michelsen Institute (U4 Helpdesk Answer 2018:22)

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Nieves Zúñiga

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All views in this text are the author(s)’, and may differ from the U4 partner agencies’ policies.

This work is licenced under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 International licence (CC BY-NC-ND 4.0)

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