Transparency, Trust and Transformation

Rayner (2009) argues that trust can lead to successful transformation of energy systems. He identifies trust as a key concept in his research in order to understand public acceptance of technologies choices. His main argument is that “high-trust societies are more sustainability than low-trust societies” (Rayner 2009, 1).

“Transparency can be defined as a principle that allows those affected by administrative decisions, business transactions or charitable work to know not only the basic facts and figures but also the mechanisms and processes. It is the duty of civil servants, managers and trustees to act visibly, predictably and understandably” (TI, 2011). For Transparency International, citizens are entitled to know not only basic data and facts but also the administrative and decision process. What is the linkage between the trust and transparency? I think, to increase transparency in a country, institutions must disclose basic information and the decision process. To do so, the institutions need to engage with public and inform them of their mechanisms and processes. It is likely that high-trust societies are likely to be more transparent. For examples, countries with corruption perception index (CPI) scores (10 means the least corrupt country) for 2010 are US (7.1), UK (7.6), Germany (7.9), Sweden (9.2), Denmark (9.3), New Zealand (9.3), and Singapore (9.3), Myanmar (1.4), and Somalia (1.1). Those with high CPI are likely to be more high-trust societies whereas the countries with low CPI are likely to be low-trust societies. Rayner (2009, 6) claims that “the presence of multiple overlapping social networks create the conditions for generalized social trust leading to good governance”. Of course, the countries with high-transparency are also having ‘good governance’.

Thus, transparency promotes trust and trust is likely to lead to successful transformation. Transformation means changing conditions or structures, according to Webster Dictionary. In order to change conditions, and structures, first and foremost, public must be informed of necessity for transformation. Then, the process or mechanism of the transformation must be transparent and public consent is necessary for necessity for change. When the process and mechanism is transparent, it is likely that public place more trust that lead to good governance. Therefore, transparency, trust, and transformation are the three key elements that constitute sustainably secured success.

References

Rayner, S. 2009. Trust and the transformation of energy systems. Energy Policy. doi:10.1016/j.enpol.2009.05.035

TI. 2011. Transparency International. www.transparency.org.