Design and Validation of Policy Making Model with Open Government Approach

Objective
Open government is an emerging phenomenon that has attracted considerable attention in recent years and is expected to play a pivotal role in the future of public administration. This approach aims to make management within public entities more open and accountable, reduce operational costs, enhance efficiency, strengthen economic systems, and address social imbalances. Open government fosters transparency and participation, which are crucial for effective monitoring. The prompt and comprehensive disclosure of public data underpins an accountable and transparent government structure. This research was undertaken to enhance the effectiveness of the policy-making system nationally. It posits that the implementation of open government is essential, offering significant benefits to both public and private organizations. The primary goal of this study is to design and validate a model of policy-making that incorporates an open government approach, particularly within the context of higher education.
Methods
The methodology of this research encompasses a descriptive survey approach, integrating both qualitative and quantitative methods. In the qualitative component, ten experts in public administration from Sistan and Baluchistan University were meticulously selected using a purposeful sampling method to ensure a rich depth of knowledge. The quantitative segment targeted faculty members and administrative staff at the same university. Utilizing Cochran’s formula, a sample size of 279 participants was established and selected through stratified random sampling. The theoretical foundations were thoroughly examined to identify the dimensions and components of open government, along with its antecedents and consequences. This comprehensive exploration led to the creation of a research model, which was subsequently validated using a questionnaire designed on a Likert scale. Data from the questionnaire were analyzed using structural equation modeling, employing the partial least squares approach facilitated by SmartPLS software.
Results
The research findings identified multiple antecedents of open government within the realm of higher education. These include structural factors such as information technology integration, policy-making processes, technical and operational support, financial and budget considerations, and organizational structure. Behavioral factors encompass leadership and management styles, human resources management, educational initiatives, and organizational justice practices. The underlying factors identified were socio-cultural influences, legal frameworks, political environments, and information dissemination practices. The dimensions of open government were classified into four main categories: transparency, participation, cooperation, and open data. The beneficial consequences of implementing open government in higher education were evident in improved organizational accountability across organizational, legal, and professional domains, enhanced organizational performance including better social, economic, and innovative outcomes, and a reduction in academic corruption, which includes a decrease in data falsification, fraud, and other violations.
Conclusion
The study conclusively found that the antecedents of open government have a positive and significant impact on the implementation of open government initiatives. The successful implementation of open government was shown to have a significantly positive effect on the resulting outcomes of such initiatives. Additionally, it was confirmed with a 95% confidence level that the dimensions of open government positively and significantly correlate with the overall effectiveness of open government practices. Managers, policymakers, and government employees can utilize the insights from this research to improve the quality of decision-making and enhance the delivery of public services. Moreover, researchers and activists who utilize open government data to create new knowledge in various formats can derive substantial benefits from these research findings.