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Building Trust Through Transparency

Peter Carswell

Feedback collection is a cornerstone of engagement strategies, but what happens after feedback is gathered often determines its ultimate value. All too often, feedback vanishes into a black hole—collected but not shared, leaving contributors feeling unheard and disengaged. Research shows that failing to close the feedback loop can erode trust and discourage future participation. By contrast, transparency in feedback sharing fosters trust, collaboration, and a sense of ownership among contributors, making it a vital component of successful feedback systems.


The Science Behind Transparency

Studies highlight the importance of transparency in building trust within teams and communities. It has been consistently shown that transparent organisational communication will increase employee engagement (e.g. Jian and Luo, 2018; Jiang & Shen, 2020). In the space of community engagement transparency to is critical to building trust (e.g. Lansing et al., 2023; Schmidthuber et al., 2000).


When feedback results are shared openly, it demonstrates that the organisation values contributors' input. Sharing also creates a sense of accountability, showing that leadership is willing to act on what it hears. In community contexts, sharing feedback ensures inclusivity, giving everyone a voice in shaping the collective outcomes.


What Does Giving Feedback Back Look Like?

Sharing feedback doesn’t mean simply publishing raw data. It involves synthesising the information into accessible, meaningful insights. This might include:

  • Highlighting key themes that emerged from the feedback.

  • Showcasing examples of actions taken in response to the input.

  • Inviting further discussion to refine strategies or solutions.

The format matters too. Visual dashboards, summary reports, or community meetings can make feedback results more engaging and easier to understand. Tools that incorporate multimedia—such as allowing people to hear recorded feedback—can deepen emotional connection and understanding.

When people take the time to share what they've heard and what they're doing about it, it shows respect. It makes me feel like my voice really counts.

The Ripple Effect of Transparency

Transparent feedback practices not only build trust but also create a culture of learning and improvement. When contributors see their input valued and acted upon, they are more likely to participate meaningfully in future feedback opportunities. This creates a virtuous cycle of engagement and responsiveness.


Moreover, sharing feedback fosters collaboration. Whether within teams or across communities, hearing diverse perspectives can lead to more creative solutions and stronger collective buy-in for actions taken.





Giving feedback back is more than just good practice—it’s essential for fostering trust, collaboration, and engagement. Organizations and communities that prioritize transparency not only learn more but also build stronger relationships with those they serve. By sharing feedback openly and acting on it meaningfully, we can create environments where every voice matters and every action resonates.

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