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transparency

tranz-PAIR-un-see /trænsˈpærənsi/

nounB2GMATIELTSTOEFL

businesspolitics

The quality of being open and honest about operations, finances, and decision-making processes.

In CSR, transparency isn't just about not lying; it's about proactively sharing information that might be unflattering but is necessary for trust.

The story behind the word. Rooted in the Latin 'transparere', meaning 'to show through.' It originally described physical objects like glass. Its metaphorical use for 'honesty' and 'openness' in government and business didn't become common until the late 20th century.

Word relationships

openness: A broader, less formal term for being accessible and communicative.
candor: The quality of being open and honest in expression; frankness.

opacity: The quality of being difficult to understand or see through.
secrecy: The action of keeping something secret or the state of being kept secret.

Commonly confused with

disclosure: Transparency is a general quality or culture; disclosure is the specific act of releasing information.

Word family

transparent (adjective): Easy to perceive or detect; honest and open.
transparently (adverb): In a way that is easy to perceive or detect.

Collocations

full transparency
lack of transparency
transparency in reporting
financial transparency

Example sentences

"A lack of transparency results in distrust and a deep sense of insecurity." The Dalai Lama discusses the psychological impact of secrecy in organizations. (Dalai Lama)
"Radical transparency in the supply chain allowed customers to see exactly where their clothing was made." The company published its full list of suppliers to demonstrate its commitment to ethical sourcing.

Memory hook

Think of a 'Transparent' window. You can see everything happening inside the 'Parent' company. Seeing right through the corporate walls.

When not to use

Do not use when referring to physical clarity (like a window) in a business context unless it's a metaphor; use 'clarity' for writing.

Fun facts

The organization 'Transparency International' publishes an annual Corruption Perceptions Index that ranks countries by their perceived levels of public sector corruption.