This paper deals with evaluating the role of
transparency in strengthening
public service provision and in designing effective
public policies. Different theories and practices of
transparency in government and other actors in society vis-a-vis the
public are discussed thoroughly. The paper also examines the view that there are some cases where transparency may be best, some cases where it may not be the best way, or may need to be greater, and this is achieved by drawing, comprehensively, on literature and data in the developed and developing world alike.