In Wheatake 14, I mentioned transparency as one of the basic principles of Accountability. Today I will attempt to share some clarity and understanding of the concept of transparency. It is a process that requires one to be completely visible and open to scrutiny so that nothing that should be revealed is being hidden. It is in this context that the concept is used when the public call for politicians, government agencies, and businesses to increase their transparency. I am devoting most of my time ín this reflection to transparency in the workplace. Transparency in the workplace provides the opportunity for every employee to be more engaged in the organization. A transparent workplace recognizes the hardwork of each employee, his/her progress, and his/her achievement. This recognition builds trust between management and employees. It gives the employees a feeling of being seen, heard, respected, and a part of the organization. In addition to building greater trust, it builds morale, lowers job-related stress, while increasing employee happiness and boosting their performance.
Management can show transparency in the workplace by:
1. Speaking honestly and politely.
2. Disclosing relevant information affecting the employees' duties in a timely manner.
3. Allowing employees freedom to ask questions.
4. Provide feedback to the employees without delay.
5. Strive to be professional in your work ethics.
6. Be realistic in making demands and selling yourself.
7. Share the performance and progress of the organization with the employees.
If the leadership is transparent it will function with openness, caring, honesty, involving employees in the loop, sharing information feely, and inviting communication even critiques from the employees. In other words leadership can embrace transparency by involving everyone in the decision-making process,
encouraging committment and trust by valuing everyone's opinion. Let eachone express his/her thoughts, rationalize his/her conclusions and give input in the decision-making process. From this discussion we can conclude that the basic characteristics of transparency are:
1. Openness
2. Communication
3. Accountability.
In politics, transparency is used as a means of holding public officials accountable for their actions and also to fight corruption. Today, this term corruption is blown out of proportion by labelling genuine mistakes through lack of knowledge or even carelessness as corruption. Before we label an act or behaviour as corruption we should seek to find the motive for that behaviour. I may jump in the sea to rescue a drowning brother or sister. I could also jump into the sea to commit suicide. Why did I jump into the sea?
Government provides opportunities to invite the press and the public to meetings when dealing with budgets and laws in an effort to be transparent. Very often we do not embrace the opportunities when they are available and blame the government for not being transparent.
We would build a more just and fair community if we base our decisions on data and not opinions which are usually emotional.
The last point I wish to raise is transparency in the church.. Transparency is important in attracting non-believers, providing an opportunity to repent, and creating accountability. Too often we find what an individual says "wears No. 8 shoes" and the same individual's behaviour "wears No 12 shoes." Both should "wear the same number shoes."
The apostle Paul reminded the Galatians and us:
"If we live by the Spirit let us also walk in the Spirit."
(Galatians 5:25).
- Dr. Charles H. Wheatley