What Do We Mean by Transparency? Conceptualizing and Operationalizing Transparency in Communication

Abstract

By analyzing 164 articles from communication journals published between 2002 and 2024, this scoping review systematically investigates temporal trends, conceptualizations, and operationalizations of transparency research within communication studies. The analysis identifies three primary conceptual dimensions of transparency: (1) information, encompassing both visibility and interpretation; (2) relations, functioning as an intermediary between dialogue and power; (3) values and norms, reflecting the tensions between ethical ideals and institutional constraints. Operationalization of transparency has predominantly relied on informational measures, whereas relational and value-based dimensions remain comparatively underdeveloped. Increasing attention has been directed toward subjective stakeholder perceptions, emphasizing transparency as a dynamic and context-dependent construct. Overall, the findings indicate that transparency extends beyond a stable informational attribute to incorporate relational and normative functions, while its enactment remains fluid, contextually shaped, and susceptible to unintended consequences.