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Article
Publication date: 20 March 2017

Marijn Janssen, Ricardo Matheus, Justin Longo and Vishanth Weerakkody

Many governments are working toward a vision of government-wide transformation that strives to achieve an open, transparent and accountable government while providing responsive…

1604

Abstract

Purpose

Many governments are working toward a vision of government-wide transformation that strives to achieve an open, transparent and accountable government while providing responsive services. The purpose of this paper is to clarify the concept of transparency-by-design to advance open government.

Design/methodology/approach

The opening of data, the deployment of tools and instruments to engage the public, collaboration among public organizations and between governments and the public are important drivers for open government. The authors review transparency-by-design concepts.

Findings

To successfully achieve open government, fundamental changes in practice and new research on governments as open systems are needed. In particular, the creation of “transparency-by-design” is a key aspect in which transparency is a key system development requirement, and the systems ensure that data are disclosed to the public for creating transparency.

Research limitations/implications

Although transparency-by-design is an intuitive concept, more research is needed in what constitutes information and communication technology-mediated transparency and how it can be realized.

Practical implications

Governments should embrace transparency-by-design to open more data sets and come closer to achieving open government.

Originality/value

Transparency-by-design is a new concept that has not given any attention yet in the literature.

Details

Transforming Government: People, Process and Policy, vol. 11 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1750-6166

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 3 November 2023

Xubu Ma, Yafan Xiang, Chunxiu Qin, Huigang Liang and Dongsu Liu

With the worldwide open government data (OGD) movement and frequent public health emergencies in recent years, academic research on OGD for public health emergencies has been…

Abstract

Purpose

With the worldwide open government data (OGD) movement and frequent public health emergencies in recent years, academic research on OGD for public health emergencies has been growing. However, it is not fully understood how to promote OGD on public health emergencies. Therefore, this paper aims to explore the factors that influence OGD on public health emergencies.

Design/methodology/approach

The technology–organization–environment framework is applied to explore factors that influence OGD during COVID-19. It is argued that the effects of four key factors – technical capacity, organizational readiness, social attention and top-down pressure – are contingent on the severity of the pandemic. A unique data set was created by combining multiple data sources which include archival government data, a survey of 1,034 Chinese respondents during the COVID-19 outbreak and official COVID-19 reports.

Findings

The data analysis indicates that the four factors positively affect OGD, and pandemic severity strengthens the effects of technical capacity, organizational readiness and social attention on OGD.

Originality/value

This study provides theoretical insights regarding how to improve OGD during public health emergencies, which can guide government efforts in sharing data with the public when dealing with outbreak in the future.

Details

The Electronic Library , vol. 42 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0264-0473

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 3 October 2022

Juyeon Ham, Yunmo Koo and Jae Nam Lee

In the data economy era, despite the tremendous effort of governments to actively provide and use open data, its effect on national performance such as competitiveness differs…

472

Abstract

Purpose

In the data economy era, despite the tremendous effort of governments to actively provide and use open data, its effect on national performance such as competitiveness differs widely from country to country. A sufficient knowledge base and its appropriate management are important to effectively derive the potential value from open data. A country can implement multiple and equally viable means to effectively align open data with knowledge management, which lead to high national performance. However, previous studies lack consideration of the possibility of these various configurations. To fill the research gap, this study aims to investigate the configurational patterns constituted by government data openness and knowledge management for national competitiveness.

Design/methodology/approach

From the open innovation perspective, this study collected data from the global reports of 76 countries and examined them through fuzzy-set qualitative comparative analysis (fsQCA).

Findings

Four configurational patterns are identified, namely, coupled (outbound-focused)-, coupled (inbound-focused)-, inbound-focused-, and outbound-focused national competitiveness.

Originality/value

This study provides a foundation that enables researchers to build a holistic and balanced perspective that can manage open government data and develop knowledge management capability.

Details

Industrial Management & Data Systems, vol. 122 no. 12
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0263-5577

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 17 July 2017

Katherine Mary Chorley

The purpose of this paper is to explore the challenges that open government data initiatives present to records management within the public sector in England and to identify…

3806

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore the challenges that open government data initiatives present to records management within the public sector in England and to identify areas of practice and policy that will need to be developed to ensure compliance with such environments.

Design/methodology/approach

A review of current literature underpins the analysis of data collected through an anonymised case study of a National Health Service (NHS) hospital trust. Data were collected through a qualitative research in the form of semi-structured interviews with information professionals at the case study site. Additionally, a short descriptive online survey was distributed to the members of a specialist interest group, the Health Archives and Records Group.

Findings

Open government data presents a series of interconnected practical challenges to records management at a local level as the open government data environment continues to develop. These practical challenges overshadow a number of technical challenges, such as ensuring the accuracy and integrity of proactively published data.

Research limitations/implications

The main limitation of this research is the small number of interviews conducted during data collection, which limits its capacity to present more generalised findings.

Originality/value

The case study of an individual NHS hospital trust allows for a specific insight into the challenges that open government data presents to records management within a single operational unit.

Article
Publication date: 9 December 2021

Gennaro Maione, Daniela Sorrentino and Alba Demneri Kruja

At exceptional times, governments are entrusted with greater authority. This creates significant concerns over governments’ transparency and accountability. This paper aims to…

Abstract

Purpose

At exceptional times, governments are entrusted with greater authority. This creates significant concerns over governments’ transparency and accountability. This paper aims to pursue a twofold objective: assessing the patterns of open government data during the extraordinary time initiated by the COVID-19 pandemic drawing relevant policy and managerial implications regarding the future development of open data as a mechanism of accountability at times of exception.

Design/methodology/approach

The study follows exploratory research, relying on a web content analysis. The empirical setting is provided by 20 Italian regional governments during the COVID-19 pandemic as a shock that has triggered an exceptional time for governments.

Findings

Results on the desirable (extrinsic and intrinsic) characteristics of the data analyzed show that in the empirical setting investigated, open data does not enable to properly address the accountability concerns of a demanding forum at times of exception.

Research limitations/implications

The paper enriches the state of the art on accountability and provides both scholars and practitioners (e.g. policymakers, managers, etc.) a current reading of data-driven orientation as a stimulus to the accountability of public administrations during exceptional times.

Originality/value

The paper investigates open data as a condition of public accountability, assessing whether and how Italian regional governments have concretely opened their data to enable their forums to elaboration of an informed opinion about their conduct during the ongoing pandemic. This fosters the understanding of how accountability is deployed in times of exception in light of the possibilities offered by the availability of online platforms.

Details

Transforming Government: People, Process and Policy, vol. 16 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1750-6166

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 13 March 2017

Elsebah Maseh and Shadrack Katuu

This paper is based on an empirical study undertaken between April 2014 to December 2014 that aims to investigate the Open Government Initiative in the Kenyan Judiciary and its…

Abstract

Purpose

This paper is based on an empirical study undertaken between April 2014 to December 2014 that aims to investigate the Open Government Initiative in the Kenyan Judiciary and its contribution to Judiciary transformation for enhanced justice delivery.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper draws from both literature and data collected from representative professionals in the Kenyan Judiciary through interviews and questionnaires.

Findings

The findings indicated that the Kenyan Judiciary was at its initial stages of implementing its Open Government Initiative, and several strategies for the implementation were identified. Further, the findings revealed the benefits of opening up the Judiciary for public participation which pointed toward an improved justice delivery.

Originality/value

This paper presents findings of the investigation of Open Government Initiative in the Kenyan Judiciary as a contributory factor to the then on-going Judiciary transformation aimed at enhanced justice delivery. The paper provides a nexus between open government and records management and demonstrates the importance of sound records management for successful Open Government Initiative.

Details

Journal of Science and Technology Policy Management, vol. 8 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2053-4620

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 19 September 2019

Juyeon Ham, Yunmo Koo and Jae-Nam Lee

To create the expected value and benefits through open data, appropriate provision and usage of data are required simultaneously. However, the level of provision and usage of open

Abstract

Purpose

To create the expected value and benefits through open data, appropriate provision and usage of data are required simultaneously. However, the level of provision and usage of open data differs from country to country. Moreover, previous research on open data has only focused on either open data provision or usage. To fill the research gap, the purpose of this paper is threefold: first, to understand the current status of the provision and usage of open data; second, to identify patterns in the provision and usage of open data; and third, to provide appropriate future directions and guidelines for the transformation paths of each pattern.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors analyzed the data collected from open data portals of 13 countries that provide information on the provision and usage of open data together.

Findings

The authors identified four patterns of the provision and usage of open data, namely, availability-driven, government-driven, market-driven and interaction-driven patterns. Furthermore, three strategic paths of transformation reach a high level of open data provision and usage, namely, data provision-focused, data usage-focused and balanced transformation paths.

Originality/value

This study provides a foundation that enables researchers to build a holistic theory that can integrate fragmented and incomplete knowledge of open data and usage, particularly in the context of government.

Details

Industrial Management & Data Systems, vol. 119 no. 8
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0263-5577

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 20 March 2017

Rui Pedro Lourenço, Suzanne Piotrowski and Alex Ingrams

This paper aims to analyse extant literature on open data, distinguish and categorize the strands of public accountability research and use the results to provide better clarity…

1126

Abstract

Purpose

This paper aims to analyse extant literature on open data, distinguish and categorize the strands of public accountability research and use the results to provide better clarity in the concept of open data-driven public accountability.

Design/methodology/approach

Systematic review of 135 open data articles and 155 accountability articles from the e-government reference library. A multi-stage analysis results in 12 articles which are categorized using Bovens’ (2007) accountability theory of information, discussion and consequences. Conceptual development, using the literature analysis, forms the final section of the paper.

Findings

Research demonstrates that a range of open data topics has been advanced. However, just 12 articles exist that simultaneously address open data and accountability theory. Of the total 155 public accountability articles, the preponderant focus is on the information (N = 25) and discussion (N = 7) stages of the accountability process. Just one article focuses on the complete accountability process. To address this problem, the characterization of open (government) data-driven public accountability establishes conceptual crispness and clarity.

Originality/value

Public accountability theory on open government has become overshadowed by social and economic value perspectives. This paper clarifies and advances the open data-driven public accountability perspective. It takes stock of public accountability research, delimits the key issues and questions and highlights the next steps needed for developing scholarship.

Details

Transforming Government: People, Process and Policy, vol. 11 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1750-6166

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 5 June 2017

Maxat Kassen

The purpose of this paper is to analyze the promising potential of open data in Kazakhstan to boost public sector innovations and trace the emergence of the related civic…

1162

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to analyze the promising potential of open data in Kazakhstan to boost public sector innovations and trace the emergence of the related civic engagement initiatives in order to understand how it affects the democratization of political communication processes in a typical developing country.

Design/methodology/approach

This is a case study research which begins with a brief history of the official open data project and then investigates various political and socioeconomic drivers, corresponding regulatory acts, the leading role of the key stakeholders and policy entrepreneurs in the diffusion of the open data movement as well as the main challenges associated with the advance of the open government concept in Kazakhstan, while various independent open data-driven projects provide a rich empirical basis for the analysis.

Findings

Open data provides new opportunities to promote civic engagement and e-participation but does not affect the fundamentals of the political system nor advances democratic institutions in a typical developing country. The traditional directives could paradoxically be effective in advancing open data even in a less collaborative political culture. The unitary administrative context is conducive for the development of the ICT-driven public sector initiatives as a single platform. The existence of independent developers is crucial in promoting various open data-driven projects and sharing related expertise. The open data movement creates a favorable atmosphere for the participation of the non-governmental sector in the sphere.

Research limitations/implications

This case study is primarily focused on the analysis of the open data movement at the national level of government, taking into account the unitary structure of the public administration system existing in Kazakhstan, which apparently has a crucial fundamental effect on the realization of any e-government system in this country. In this respect, the main limitation of the research is that the possible existence of various open data-driven projects at the local levels that hypothetically may have a different set of political and socioeconomic drivers and challenges was excluded from the final equation, which provides a new window for the future research in the area.

Practical implications

The results of the research could be used by e-government practitioners and policymakers in evaluating and improving the operation of the open data-driven projects in many developing countries.

Social implications

The author of the paper tried to develop a universal framework of the case study research that could be used in investigating the open data phenomenon not only in Kazakhstan but also in the context of other developing and transitional countries, especially in analyzing the apparitional emergence of the unique networking activities among the key stakeholders of the open data movement, i.e. policymakers, NGOs, businesses, developers, mass media and citizens. In addition, the results of the analysis could be used in testing the political and socioeconomic implications of the highly centralized e-government approach in the realization of the open data concept in a number of other typical unitary states.

Originality/value

In scientific works, the open data phenomenon is usually analyzed in the context of the most developed and democratic countries of the world with a vast majority of case studies being focused only on North America and Europe, forgetting that it is a global trend. In contrast to the traditional trends in the academic literature, the author of the paper studies the realization of the concept in an unusual context, resorting to the case study of a typical emerging and post-totalitarian nation such as Kazakhstan and focusing on the analysis of the key drivers and challenges in the diffusion of the open data concept in an attempt to answer the ultimate question: whether it is really harnessed by the members of civil society to promote civic engagement and e-participation.

Details

Information Technology & People, vol. 30 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0959-3845

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 21 October 2019

Eun G. Park and Wankeun Oh

The purpose of this paper is to examine the main factors influencing government openness, develop a global government openness index (GGOI) for assessing the progress of government

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the main factors influencing government openness, develop a global government openness index (GGOI) for assessing the progress of government openness and investigate how the factors contribute to the advancement of open government by individual countries and country groups by income.

Design/methodology/approach

This study identifies the four factors and adopts them into four variables for making GGOI: accountability (ACC), citizen participation and freedom (CPF), transparency (TRA) and information and communication technology (ICT). To calculate GGOI, panel data for 134 countries from 2006 to 2015 were used.

Findings

GGOI scores constantly improved with an annual growth rate of 2.09 percent. Countries with high ACC values tend to have high TRA scores, resulting in high GGOI scores. While the differences in ACC and TRA were steady over the period, ICT increased the most in all groups. To boost ICT performance as a channel to support other variables, middle-income countries should make further effort for citizens to use ICT capabilities toward enhancing the levels of CPF and TRA.

Research limitations/implications

This study presents a global picture of the advancement of open government and provides insights into specific areas that can be diagonalized.

Practical implications

The GGOI could be used as a useful assessment tool to measure the progress of government openness in countries and implement policies and action plans for improving government openness.

Originality/value

The GGOI covers the areas related to legal, administrative, participatory and technological factors and provides the factors’ inter-relationships for the composition of GGOI.

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