Public Sector Modernization and Governance Reforms in Transition Economies Pathways to Enhanced Accountability and Transparency

This study explores the pathways and impact of public sector modernization reforms on accountability and transparency in Jordan using an exploratory qualitative case study design involving 32 semi-structured interviews. The findings reveal three distinct institutional trajectories: transformative modernization in digital service agencies, surface-level cosmetic modernization in service-based ministries, and inertia in regulatory agencies, contributing to an emerging hybrid institutional culture. Regarding accountability, formal legal frameworks were strengthened, but enforcement remained weak and inconsistent. For transparency, reactive disclosure predominated over proactive disclosure, and technology was perceived as a double-edged sword that increased transaction speed while introducing potential risks for data manipulation. Resistance to change?primarily driven by fear of losing power rather than technological illiteracy?emerged as the primary barrier (81.3%), whereas leadership commitment and external donor support served as the key facilitators (65.6%). Overall, while digital initiatives have improved efficiency, they have not yet translated into comprehensive institutional accountability or increased citizen trust.