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Transparency in port governance: setting a research agenda

Author

Listed:
  • Mary R. Brooks

    (Dalhousie University)

  • Geraldine Knatz

    (University of Southern California)

  • Athanasios A. Pallis

    (National and Kapodistrian University of Athens)

  • Gordon Wilmsmeier

    (Universidad de Los Andes
    Kühne Logistics University (KLU))

Abstract

This study examines the concept of transparency as practiced (or not) in ports. It explores the availability of information to the general public and port stakeholders through the ports’ most public face—its website, studying public ports in North America, Europe, and Latin America and the Caribbean. This exploratory research centred on identifying the parameters that would be useful for the general public to have sufficient information to monitor, review and in many cases, participate in the decision-making processes carried out by the port authority, irrespective of whether or not laws mandate such disclosure. Fifty-one items were identified for the examination of each port’s website, focusing primarily on four major categories: decision-making governance, port communications and accessibility, transparency in reporting and in port operational activities. Using nine items as proxies for the 51, the research reveals uneven levels of port transparency both regionally and by governance model. The study reveals a need for increasing and differentiating the existing levels and standards of transparency in the governance of the port industry, and for greater consistency between ports within and across regions. The study concludes with a research agenda for future research.

Suggested Citation

  • Mary R. Brooks & Geraldine Knatz & Athanasios A. Pallis & Gordon Wilmsmeier, 2022. "Transparency in port governance: setting a research agenda," Journal of Shipping and Trade, Springer, vol. 7(1), pages 1-20, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:spr:josatr:v:7:y:2022:i:1:d:10.1186_s41072-021-00103-4
    DOI: 10.1186/s41072-021-00103-4
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Christopher Hood, 2007. "What happens when transparency meets blame-avoidance?," Public Management Review, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 9(2), pages 191-210, June.
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    4. Mary R. Brooks & Athanasios A. Pallis, 2008. "Assessing port governance models: process and performance components," Maritime Policy & Management, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 35(4), pages 411-432, August.
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    9. Adolf K Y Ng & Athanasios A Pallis, 2010. "Port Governance Reforms in Diversified Institutional Frameworks: Generic Solutions, Implementation Asymmetries," Environment and Planning A, , vol. 42(9), pages 2147-2167, September.
    10. Notteboom, Theo & De Langen, Peter & Jacobs, Wouter, 2013. "Institutional plasticity and path dependence in seaports: interactions between institutions, port governance reforms and port authority routines," Journal of Transport Geography, Elsevier, vol. 27(C), pages 26-35.
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    1. Sphiwe Eugene Mthembu & Mihalis Chasomeris, 2023. "An evaluation of the governance structure of marine services in South Africa’s ports system," Journal of Shipping and Trade, Springer, vol. 8(1), pages 1-22, December.

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