Defining transparency movements

Purpose A multitude of transparency movements have been developed and grown strong in recent decades. Despite their growing influence, scholarly studies have focused on individual movements. The purpose of this paper is to make a pioneering contribution in defining transparency movements. Design/methodology/approach An exploratory approach has been used utilizing movement-specific professional and scholarly documents concerning 18 transparency movements. Findings Different traditions, ideologies of openness and aspects involving connections between movements have been identified as well as forms of organization. Originality/value This is the first attempt at identifying and defining transparency movements as a contemporary phenomenon.