Friday, February 20, 2009

Unflinching transparency

Transparency can be uncomfortable. As auditors we are dedicated to several objectives among them transparency, accountability, and creating change. Sometimes these are in conflict. Creating change requires acknowleging management efforts even though they may have fallen short. Transparency requires factual-based reporting and publication. I like to have audit results covered in the news because a larger audience is reached and transparency is increased. But many times the story is written as a conflict. I cringe a little when I read the article. But in the long run I think this is healthy. The public must know there is oversight and review.

1 comment:

Keenguy said...

Except sometimes the public doesn't even know what an auditor does and they write unwarranted, angry comments in the comments!