The transparency syndrome in global change: A sociological concept paper.

The article presents a sociological framework for the analysis of the transparency syndrome in global as well as local change. For instance, transparency is the expectations for centers of power to disclose information about themselves and their actions to citizens, clients or customers. Such disclosure is radically new and contested in many cultures. It can trigger changes of institutional practices and relationships. And transparency is a global phenomenon of the information technology era. It is also a local phenomenon affecting local politics, business practices, or environmental risks.