Refers to openness of governance processes and access to official information. It comprises all means of facilitating peoples’ access to information and their understanding of decision-making mechanisms. The building block of transparency is freedom of information; processes, institutions and results should be directly accessible to those concerned, as well as able to be monitored.
Transparency is vital for strengthening inter-governmental relations and for promoting informed engagement in decision-making processes. In promoting transparency, be sure that information provided is especially relevant – i.e. its format and language is easily accessible, it is accurate and timely. UNDP (2008), ‘Mainstreaming Anti-Corruption in Development: Anti-Corruption Practice Note’, UNDP, New York.
The answerability of individuals, institutions and organizations for their actions. Refers to a set of controls, counterweights and supervision modes that make officials and institutions in the public and private sector answerable to their actions. Also allows sanctions against poor performance, illegal acts, and misuse or abuse of power (including corruption). Low levels of transparency and accountability contribute to inefficiency and increased levels of corruption.
Though often understood as individual honesty, integrity in public sector governance refers to the entirety of policies, systems, principles and procedures put in place and implemented to consistently deliver results and contribute to overall efficiency, transparency and accountability in the public sector. In other words, institutionalizing integrity refers to strengthening governance and management frameworks at the institutional level to avoid mismanagement, incompetency, malpractice and corruption and improve efficiency in provision of services.
Refers to the possibility for citizens to provide informed, timely, and meaningful input and to influence decisions at various levels. Participation is a necessary condition for exerting social accountability. There are different levels of Participation, Information and Awareness, Consultation, Representation, Partnerships, and Oversight and Audits.
