How political culture and institutions shape transparency and trust in the UK and in the Netherlands. Paper

Abstract

The link between transparency and trust is often oversimplified by both supporters and critics of transparency laws. Optimists believe that transparency can bring increased public trust in government by reducing secrecy and increasing understanding. Pessimists argue that ‘abuse’ or ‘distrustful’ use of FOI, combined with the negative headlines and scandal it can bring, ultimately reduces public trust. This paper argues that the link between transparency and trust is nuanced a sit is influenced by a range of macro and micro influences. Looking at research in the UK and Netherlands it argues that there are two forces that can vary and complicate these factors and link between the two concepts: political culture and institutions. The two countries display very different political cultures, the UK distrustful and adversarial and the Netherlands more consensual. This means FOI is used and works differently. Moreover, within both countries, different institutions experience the effect of transparency on trust differently. The culture, leadership and use of FOI towards different bodies and levels of government mean it has a very varied set of effects on trust