Naslov
Transparency and Openness in Local Governance: A Case of Croatian Cities

Autori
Musa, Anamarija ; Bebić, Domagoj ; Đurman, Petra

Izvornik
Hrvatska i komparativna javna uprava = Croatian and comparative public administration (1848-0357) 15 (2015), 2; 415-450

Vrsta, podvrsta i kategorija rada
Radovi u časopisima, članak, znanstveni

Ključne riječi
transparency ; openness ; local governance ; city websites ; Croatia

Sažetak
Transparency and openness are a key concern in contem - porary democracies, at both the national and subnational level. Dissemination of public information is a prerequisite for citizens to exercise their individual and political rights. Transparency is also a prerequisite for accountability. The openness of public authorities to a dialogue with the citi - zenry has become a key ingredient of the democratic pro - cess. Citizens are able to take part in a shared responsibility for the decisions of public authorities. The paper presents an evaluation of the websites of 16 Croatian cities. The Transparency and Openness Index, composed of four dimensions, and further developed through 13 components, has shown that cities still do not comply with transparency standards, even when those standards are legally prescribed. They are inclined to disclose ‘light’ information, which is not politically loaded and has no direct connection to the accountability mechanism. It is possible, however, to detect innovative leaders, who promote transparency and employ their websites accordingly.

Izvorni jezik
Engleski

Znanstvena područja
Pravo, Politologija

POVEZANOST RADA