Otevrnost

Otevrnost is a term used in Slavic-language contexts to denote the quality of openness or transparency. The word derives from a verb meaning “to open” and describes a state or quality rather than a specific action.

In psychology, otevrnost roughly corresponds to openness to experience, one of the Big Five personality traits. It describes a tendency to seek novelty, value aesthetics, and consider unconventional ideas. In broader social terms, otevrnost covers interpersonal openness—willingness to share thoughts and listen to others—and intellectual openness—receptiveness to new information and perspectives.

In political science and sociology, otevrnost pertains to how open a system is to information, debate, dissent, and external influences. It is linked to transparency, freedom of information, media plurality, and civil society participation. In information technology and governance, the term is used in discussions of open data, open government, and openness policies.

Measurement and critiques: Researchers assess otevrnost with surveys, scales, or indices that gauge attitudes toward novelty, trust, and transparency. Critics note that the concept is culturally contingent and context-dependent; what counts as openness in one society may be valued or constrained differently in another. Despite variability, otevrnost is commonly associated with innovation, adaptability, and inclusive decision-making.