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The Transparency-Trust Paradox: Redefining Platforms Digital Governance in Citizen Monitoring Under the National Data and Information Management Law
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Mahdi Ramazani Zohrshiri *   |
| Chaharmahal and Bakhtiari Provincial Audit Court |
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Abstract: (220 Views) |
This study investigates the transparency-trust paradox in digital citizen monitoring platforms Under the the National Data and Information Management Law. While classical theories posit transparency as reinforcing trust and participation, this research reveals that in low-trust contexts, the relationship between these constructs can be inverse and paradoxical. Employing an exploratory sequential mixed-methods design, the qualitative phase involved 28 semi-structured interviews with citizens and government officials, identifying three mechanisms of the paradox: heightened expectations and subsequent frustration, exacerbated knowledge gaps, and the creation of invisible digital bureaucracy. In the quantitative phase, a survey of 412 active users of monitoring platforms and data analysis using multivariate regression in SPSS revealed an inverted U-shaped relationship between perceived transparency and participation intention (β = -0.18 for the quadratic term, p < 0.01). Institutional trust was found to moderate this relationship. The findings suggest that in the absence of institutional responsiveness, maximum transparency can lead to decreased participation. By introducing the concept of "buffered transparency," this study provides a contingent framework for designing monitoring platforms that optimize transparency according to institutional maturity. The research contributes to digital governance literature by challenging linear assumptions and offering context-sensitive design principles for participatory platforms in developing democracies
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| Keywords: Transparency-Trust Paradox, Digital Governance, Citizen Participation, Public Monitoring, National Data and Information Management Law |
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Full-Text [PDF 524 kb]
(58 Downloads)
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Type of Study: Research |
Subject:
General
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