Making transparency transparent: an Assessment Model for Local Governments

This paper focuses on the use of Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) to increase transparency in the public sector. In particular, we refer to transparency as a tool to enhance Government effectiveness. First, the concept of “transparency” in the public sector in the broadest sense is explored, through the review of the literature. Then, the paper presents a model for assessing the level of transparency of municipalities’ websites, based on an elaboration of previous assessing models, derived by the literature review. Finally, the results of a pilot test of this assessing model will be discussed.