Transparency and accountability public service reforms

Abstract

Transparency and accountability are two basic principles for democratic government. There is a two-way relationship between transparency and accountability. Accountability characterizes the form of transparency that is necessary. In contrast, the quality of the unrestricted information available establishes the type of accountability that is possible. In democracies, principles of accountability and transparency influence not only government, but also on all types of entities that operate under public laws. This Chapter illustrates the type of transparency and accountability reforms that have been implemented at many different governing levels, namely, state agencies reforms in the form of legislation and structures that influence the operations of Malta’s Public Service; national policies that have a comprehensive influence in the manner that the Public Services directs its strategy; and structural changes and new procedures within the Public Services that have strengthened the notion of good governance in its totality. This Chapter revealed that issues of good governance can be found in all Public Service administrative processes and is therefore intimately related to all operational aspects in so many different governmental departments and ministries. Such a comprehensive outlook was possible by embracing an inward and an outward perspective of the Public Service in the analysis conducted by the authors.