Transparency is great right? Every day, you hear how important it is for police/fire departments and government agencies to be open and honest with the communities they serve. The Barack Obama White House maintained a page dedicated to the subject, saying in part: “Transparency promotes accountability and provides information for citizens about what their Government is doing.” At JGPR Academy, we preach it every day, and I recently dedicated a whole chapter in my public relations textbook to government comms and transparency. Transparency matters — and we don’t just mean being responsive to FIOA requests.
As a brief (and free) refresher, here are seven reasons why government transparency matters (and how it can make your government work life easier!)
- Builds Trust: Transparency helps government communicators to build trust with the public, as it demonstrates a willingness to be open and honest about their actions, decisions, and policies.
- Enhances Accountability: By being transparent, government communicators are held accountable for their actions, which can help to prevent corruption, fraud, and other unethical behavior.
- Improves Understanding: When government communicators are transparent, it helps to improve the public’s understanding of complex issues, policies, and regulations, which can lead to more informed and engaged citizens.
- Increases Credibility: Transparent communication from government communicators can increase their credibility and legitimacy in the eyes of the public, as it shows a commitment to being honest and open.
- Promotes Participation: Transparency can also promote participation in government processes and decision-making by giving the public a greater sense of ownership and involvement in their communities.
- Mitigates Risks: Being transparent can also help government communicators to mitigate risks by addressing concerns and issues early on, before they escalate into larger problems.
- Encourages Innovation: Finally, transparency can encourage innovation and collaboration by creating an environment of trust and open communication, which can lead to new ideas and approaches to solving problems.
For more, register for our recurring class, Effective Communications Strategies for Municipal Leaders and Department Heads for only $199 per person via Zoom. Sign up today!