The Information-Gathering Matrix: A Framework for Conceptualizing the Use of Freedom of Information Laws

Scholarship on transparency and freedom of information (FOI) conveys an overwhelmingly “political” narrative. Most uses of FOI, however, are private and nonpolitical in nature. This article explores the gap between the literature and empirical reality by means of an “Information-Gathering Matrix,” a...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Administration & society 2018-04, Vol.50 (4), p.476-500
Main Authors: Michener, Gregory, Worthy, Ben
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Case studies
Concept formation
Freedom of information
Freedoms
Information gathering
Literature reviews
Politicization
Scholarship
Transparency
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Summary:Scholarship on transparency and freedom of information (FOI) conveys an overwhelmingly “political” narrative. Most uses of FOI, however, are private and nonpolitical in nature. This article explores the gap between the literature and empirical reality by means of an “Information-Gathering Matrix,” a framework for conceptualizing the motivations, uses, and impacts associated with FOI. Following a broad literature review, case studies illustrate that while FOI uses may be multifarious and prima facie nonpolitical, at least three of the matrix’s four quadrants—from the public to the private and the political to the nonpolitical—frequently tend toward politicization.
ISSN:0095-3997
1552-3039
DOI:10.1177/0095399715590825