Information Access and Transparency
On this and most weeks, each student will present their topical reading, with handouts for the class, and the instructor will present a lecture based on recent developments since publication of the texts. Make sure the handout provides a full bibliographical citation for your reading.
Information Access and Governmental Transparency
Freedom of Information
Commercial Access Rights
Disability Access
Health Information Access
Obstacles to Information Access: Security
Obstacles to Information Access: Privacy
Other Obstacles to Information Access
Discussion Questions, Garson, Chapter 5
1. What brought about the Freedom of Information Act of 1966? What changed in how the federal government handled information requests and what were shortcomings of the Act?
2. The Homeland Security Act of 2002 was created to prevent events similar to those of 9/11 from happening again. However, it has altered how citizens can access information and agencies can distribute information. What important federal activities have been kept from public view due to this act? How does this impact public health, environmental issues, etc.?
3. Spam has become a nuisance for many. Congress passed the CAN SPAM Act of 2003 in an effort to curb unsolicited commercial email. However, many consumer groups believe that the act is a formal legalization of spam. Why? How could the act have been more effective?
4. In an effort to overcome information access barriers for those with disabilities the Department of Justice provides guidelines for managers as they develop and implement disability policy. What are some of their suggestions? Can you think of any other beneficial actions that managers could take?
5. How could one know if the government over-classifies information, preventing access? Would you support an independent review commission with powers to declassify as many documents as possible? If so, what would your arguments be against those, such as the Bush administration, who disagree?
6. Access and privacy policies sometimes constitute a trade-off. What are the two choices Brin sets forward in The Transparent Society? What are the benefits and costs of each?
7. Creating a culture of openness presents a host of obstacles for the public manager. Name at least two obstacles. What can managers to do overcome the obstacles you cite?
8. What actions can be taken at a managerial level to close the gap between the principle of transparency in government and its actual practice?
Discussion Questions, Rocheleau, Chapter 11
1. What is "e-reporting" and what is Rocheleau's main point about it?
2. What is the concept of "information stewardship"? Is it well-implemented at present?
3. What is Rocheleau's point about "informal organization" in relation to performance measures, on pp. 346-347?
4. What does Rocheleau say should be the nature of selecting performance goals, in order to minimize informal behavior undermining performance systems?
5. What are "high stakes performance measures"? What is Rocheleau's argument?
6. In what ways might performance standards be unfair (pp. 352-354)
7. What is Rocheleau's main conclusion about quantitative performance systems?