By Tara Kent, Ph.D., Director, Office of the Registrar, AMDA
Step into the realm of imagination with me for a moment. Envision a scenario where a visually impaired student navigates a college hallway, unable to see room numbers, yet seamlessly locates their English composition class through the tactile guidance of braille, fostering a sense of inclusivity. Similarly, picture a diabetic faculty member, pressed for time between classes and without lunch, who, thanks to an online school menu, quickly identifies food options aligning with their dietary needs. What ties these narratives together is the presence of visible and accessible information facilitating informed choices. In essence, these individuals have been introduced to the concept of transparency. If such transparency can yield positive outcomes, the question arises: why do many leaders hesitate to embrace it?
Transparency Dilemma
For those of us raised in my generation, the familiar refrain from parents, "This is an adult conversation," aimed to shield young minds from potentially overwhelming information. Similarly, leaders may harbor concerns about excessive information sharing, fearing it could lead to information overload and anxiety among their staff. The apprehension is rooted in the worry that honesty might introduce chaos. Unfortunately, the paradox lies in the fact that withholding information prompts individuals to form their own, potentially inaccurate conclusions, breeding confusion and uncertainty. Another deterrent to transparency can be the prevailing culture of the institution. Leaders bear the weighty responsibility of motivating while acknowledging the institution's reality. Navigating challenges requires fostering a community capable of crafting solutions that not only nurture a healthy environment but also contribute to a thriving institution. Rather than avoiding transparency, we should foster a community where we actively embrace it. As leaders in higher education, this approach will cultivate a resilient and secure institution capable of achieving the goal of educating and graduating students. A positive student experience may lead these graduates to return to the institution in some capacity as alum, contributing to its success.
Beneficial Transparency
Institutional transparency yields four advantages: active participation, strengthened institutional capacity, accountability, and the establishment of trust (Roelofs, 2019).
Employee engagement is fostered through transparency, encouraging active participation. This openness unites individuals, enabling collaboration and collective action in response to imminent issues or events. In anticipation of the projected demographic decline post-2025, admissions offices have proactively addressed the situation with transparent data. Enrollment managers, in collaboration with staff and college administrators, are strategically planning initiatives to maintain steady enrollment despite the anticipated reduction in the college-going population.
Transparency serves as a crucial beacon for institutional strengthening, complementing active participation. When personnel have a clear understanding of an institution's challenges or opportunities, they can proactively address potential pitfalls that may impact overall performance. Furthermore, leaders who embrace transparency contribute to the establishment of robust governance structures, fostering sound decision-making processes. This openness facilitates the creation of a community within the institution, cultivating best practices and optimizing resource allocation for sustainable outcomes. The realization of these benefits hinges on strategic planning, which becomes feasible and effective once transparency is integrated into the organizational framework.
Transparency fosters accountability within an institution. When leaders openly share their plans, stakeholders can be held accountable for actively participating in the collective effort to achieve the disclosed goals. In response, stakeholders are expected to be both responsive and responsible, ensuring they acquire or enhance the necessary skills to contribute effectively. This accountability practice also cultivates equity, as all stakeholders are held to the same standards, promoting a fair and consistent approach.
Transparency provides employees with a pivotal quality: trust. With trust, positive outcomes abound. For instance, in the realm of higher education, where change is constant, employees who trust are more adept at navigating change, exhibiting higher adaptability and engagement. This trust leads to a greater sense of value and job satisfaction, contributing to increased retention rates and reduced turnover within the institution. Furthermore, positive employer branding is bolstered, attracting top talent. Trust in organizational leaders enhances communication, teamwork, and collaboration. In essence, a culture of trust propels employees into a positive work environment, fostering eagerness to perform at their best.
Challenges and Barriers
The obstacles to fostering transparency within an institution are diverse and complex. Factors such as a culture of distrust, apprehension about information overload, and intricate organizational structures can impede openness. Additionally, competing priorities, often intensified by pressing deadlines, may overshadow the imperative for leaders to prioritize transparency. Outdated technology further exacerbates the challenge by limiting the effective communication of information. Overcoming these barriers requires a concerted effort to address cultural, structural, and technological aspects.
Promoting Transparency
Promoting transparency involves embodying the behavior, a task that can be challenging depending on the institutional culture. Nevertheless, leaders can foster transparency by actively communicating and being approachable. Introducing studies highlighting the advantages of transparency to leadership is another avenue to encourage openness. Furthermore, pursuing professional development opportunities for leaders can contribute to overcoming apprehensions and fostering a more transparent mindset.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the journey through the intricate landscape of transparency within educational institutions unravels a narrative where openness transforms challenges into opportunities. The vivid scenarios of a visually impaired student navigating hallways and a time-pressed diabetic faculty member making informed choices exemplify the tangible impact of transparent practices. The transparency dilemma faced by leaders, rooted in concerns of chaos and information overload, is a paradox that necessitates a shift in mindset. The benefits of transparency, including active participation, strengthened institutional capacity, accountability, and trust, underscore its pivotal role in building resilient and thriving educational environments.
As we contend with challenges and barriers, acknowledging the diverse and complex nature of these obstacles is crucial. From cultural resistance to the pitfalls of outdated technology, each hurdle requires a tailored approach for effective resolution. The call to action lies in promoting transparency at every level, from leadership exemplification and communication to embracing professional development opportunities. Transparency’s power extends beyond the dynamics of the institution, shaping a positive culture, boosting employee satisfaction, and ensuring the institutions long-term success.