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Study Finds Most Federal Managers Support Increased Transparency

Posted on: Wednesday, 15 April 2009, 14:12 CDT

Majority Also Believe Current IT Infrastructure Is Insufficient to Meet Transparency Objectives

WASHINGTON, April 15 /PRNewswire/ -- According to a study released today by Government Business Council (GBC), the research division of Government Executive Media Group, the majority of federal managers want their agencies to share more information with the general public. These managers also agree, however, that significant investments will be required to update agency practices and IT infrastructures in order to achieve the President's vision for transparency.

The survey, conducted in February, captured the views of federal managers on President Obama's call for increased transparency in government. Completed by 430 agency managers across the entire federal government, the survey also found that 57% of federal managers believe that the Obama administration will significantly change how government works.

"Our study findings indicate that while federal managers support President Obama's drive for increased transparency, they also share a realistic assessment that current agency practices and IT infrastructures will not do the job," stated Bryan Klopack, Director, Government Business Council. "As a result, we see a tremendous opportunity for industry to assist agencies with best practices and IT solutions needed to achieve their transparency goals."

The complete study, including information on the methodology and detailed findings, can be downloaded at http://www.govexec.com/gbc/transparency.

Other findings highlighted in the study include:

• There is an inconsistent definition of transparency among federal managers and a lack of consensus on the responsibilities of government agencies to make information public.
• Federal managers expect their agencies to both share and solicit information from the public. Two-thirds of respondents believe that both assurance of project and program accountability and the solicitation of public feedback on government initiatives are components of open government.

"This important study exemplifies the critical role GBC plays in leading the discussion among agency and industry leaders on today's most pressing federal issues," commented Steve Vito, President, Government Executive Media Group. "By combining 40 years of market knowledge, gold standard research expertise and unmatched access to senior federal leaders, GBC is uniquely positioned to delve into the minds of federal managers to illuminate key pain points that provide opportunities for industry leaders to assist."

About Government Business Council (GBC)

As Government Executive Media Group's research and thought leadership division, Government Business Council is dedicated to advancing the business of government through analysis, insight and the sharing of best practices. By leveraging Government Executive's proven credibility with senior federal decision makers and its dedicated research capabilities, GBC is uniquely positioned to develop comprehensive research on the federal government. For more information about GBC, visit www.govexec.com/gbc/.

About Government Executive Media Group

Government Executive Media Group is the premier media resource for federal managers. The magazine and related online and event properties cover the entire spectrum of management challenges confronting federal executives in civilian and defense agencies. Government Executive Media Group recently introduced Nextgov.com, an interactive online home for the federal IT community. For more information, visit www.GovernmentExecutive.com or www.nextgov.com.

Contact: Will Colston 202.266.7423

SOURCE Government Executive Media Group

Source: PR Newswire

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