What the study found
The study found that operational transparency in government social media can help the public better understand how government works. It also suggests more favorable perceptions of government performance in time-sensitive operations, but limited effects on engagement and collaboration intentions.
Why the authors say this matters
The authors say this matters because operational transparency appears to serve functions beyond simply providing information. The findings indicate it may support government social media goals related to representation, engagement, and collaboration, although not equally across all three goals.
What the researchers tested
The researchers conducted two survey experiments with broadly representative U.S. online samples. Study 1 included 1,003 respondents, and Study 2 included 1,594 respondents.
What worked and what didn't
Operational transparency was associated with a better understanding of government activities. It also fostered more favorable perceptions of government performance in time-sensitive operations. However, it showed limited influence on intentions to engage or collaborate.
What to keep in mind
The abstract does not describe detailed limitations beyond the scope of the two survey experiments. The findings are based on U.S. online samples, so the summary does not provide evidence about other populations or settings.
Key points
- Two survey experiments tested operational transparency in government social media.
- The samples were broadly representative U.S. online samples, with 1,003 and 1,594 respondents.
- Operational transparency helped participants better understand how government works.
- It also improved perceptions of government performance in time-sensitive operations.
- It had limited influence on engagement and collaboration intentions.
Disclosure
- Research title:
- Operational transparency improves understanding but not engagement
- Authors:
- Hung-Yi Hsu
- Institutions:
- Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey
- Publication date:
- 2026-02-27
- OpenAlex record:
- View
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