A culture of transparency? Disclosure of public information under the premise of Freedom of Information
Year: 2024
Type: dissertation
Abstract: Freedom of information (FOI) laws have been implemented by governments worldwide as a tool to increase public sector accountability and transparency. Citizens can use FOI to send information requests to public sector organizations, thereby exerting a certain ‘watchdog’ function over the state. Under the premise of functioning FOI regimes, public organizations are held accountable by their obligation to proactively publish documents and government information and/or answer citizens’ information requests. Therefore, if rightfully implemented and used, FOI as an accountability tool can substantially contribute to increased public sector transparency and foster the disclosure of information. \nThis paper-based thesis aims to explain citizens’ usage of FOI and public organizations’ culture of transparency by investigating responsiveness to citizen information requests. Using data from a German online FOI platform, the thesis sheds light on the interplay between public demand and government supply of information. Moreover, it investigates the role and the potential of FOI platforms for sharing and publishing public information. The exploration of an organizational culture of transparency serves as a framework for this cumulative thesis. Based on different theoretical approaches (democratic theory, compliance theory, and principal-agency theory), the three papers of this thesis contribute to research about public sector transparency and public accountability. \nThe first paper deals with the question of how public organizations react to different topics and different communication tones of requests. These independent variables address the demand side of public information and account for the different accountability-seeking potential of requests, which might impact responsiveness behavior. The paper applies large language modeling and text analysis (topic modeling, sentiment analysis) as well as quantitative research methods. The second paper investigates the legal aspect of FOI. It focuses on the question of whether the strength of the law can make a difference in responsiveness. This paper applies quantitative research methods. The findings stem from a total of 18 multinomial and 18 binary logistic regression models. The third paper describes citizens’ usage of an online FOI platform that is operated by an independent nongovernmental organization (NGO) and manages the FOI requesting process. This paper is an exploratory single case study delving deeper into the peculiarities of the German public sector. It investigates how FOI is handled in Germany and how NGOs can intermediate between citizens and the government. The paper aims to advance the understanding of FOI usage in practice and how digital technologies could support its implementation and de facto operability. \nThe thesis provides a summary of the key findings of each paper and a synthesis of their implications. First, it delves into the factors influencing responsiveness to information requests, revealing that various variables collectively impact disclosure and compliance. While FOI laws can promote transparency, the findings suggest that organizational commitment and officials' discretion are crucial for their effectiveness. Second, it explains how online FOI platforms are reshaping information accessibility, enhancing transparency, and empowering citizens in democratic processes. To foster a culture of transparency in governance and the public sector, a holistic approach involving digital technologies, organizational commitment towards ‘lived’ transparency in practice, and societal engagement is necessary.
Author: Trautendorfer, Julia Andrea
Language: English
Subfield: Law
Field: Social Sciences
Domain: Social Sciences
Open Access status: green
OpenAlex ID: W6990110741