Local government transparency index: determinants of municipalities’ rankings

Araujo, J. F. F. E. de, & Tejedo-Romero, F. (2016). Local government transparency index: determinants of municipalities’ rankings. International Journal of Public Sector Management, 29(4), 327–347. https://doi.org/10.1108/IJPSM-11-2015-0199This episode, "Local Government Transparency Index: Determinants of Municipal Rankings", explores the factors influencing transparency levels in Spanish municipalities until 2012. Based on research by Joaquim Filipe Ferraz Esteves de Araujo and Francisca Tejedo-Romero, published in the International Journal of Public Sector Management, the study analyzes data from Transparency International Spain and official sources using univariate and multivariate regression analysis, including instrumental variable regression (2SLS) to address potential endogeneity.Grounded in agency and legitimacy theories, the study finds that political factors, such as voter turnout, political ideology, and electoral competition, significantly impact transparency. Higher electoral competition correlates with greater transparency, while voter turnout and unemployment have negative effects. Population size and investment positively influence transparency levels. The findings highlight the role of political power in government transparency and its impact on good governance. This episode provides key insights into how transparency varies across municipalities and the political factors shaping it.