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Transparency in transnational governance: The determinants of information disclosure of voluntary sustainability programs

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  • Philip Schleifer
  • Matteo Fiorini
  • Graeme Auld

Abstract

The rise of “new” transnational governance has intensified debates about a lack of accountability in global politics. Reviewing the mechanisms through which transparency can foster accountability beyond the state, this article explores the determinants of information disclosure in the field of transnational sustainability governance. Examining the institutional design of 113 voluntary sustainability programs, we find a positive correlation between the involvement of public actors and information disclosure. In contrast, the role of civil society is more ambiguous. There is no statistical support for arguments linking non‐governmental organization participation to increased transparency. At the same time, our analysis reveals a robust correlation between civil society‐led metagovernance and information disclosure. Moreover, we find that crowding has a negative effect on transparency, whereas normative peer pressures have no influence. At a broader level, the analysis reveals a lack of “deep transparency” among transnational sustainability governors. This limits the scope for transparency‐induced accountability in this policy domain.

Suggested Citation

  • Philip Schleifer & Matteo Fiorini & Graeme Auld, 2019. "Transparency in transnational governance: The determinants of information disclosure of voluntary sustainability programs," Regulation & Governance, John Wiley & Sons, vol. 13(4), pages 488-506, December.
  • Handle: RePEc:wly:reggov:v:13:y:2019:i:4:p:488-506
    DOI: 10.1111/rego.12241
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    3. Asongu, Simplice A. & Adegboye, Alex & Ejemeyovwi, Jeremiah & Umukoro, Olaoluwa, 2021. "The mobile phone technology, gender inclusive education and public accountability in Sub-Saharan Africa," Telecommunications Policy, Elsevier, vol. 45(4).
    4. Simon L. Bager & Eric F. Lambin, 2020. "Sustainability strategies by companies in the global coffee sector," Business Strategy and the Environment, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 29(8), pages 3555-3570, December.
    5. Sarah Margaretha Jastram & Alkis Henri Otto & Tatjana Minulla, 2023. "Diverse Organizational Adoption of Institutions in the Field of Corporate Social Responsibility," Journal of Business Ethics, Springer, vol. 183(4), pages 1073-1088, April.

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