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Transparency isn't about getting in your way, though, it's about accountability. It's so when someone actually does do something wrong, there's evidence... and that prevents people from doing something wrong. Accountability and responsibility are good things in business or government, even though they're somewhat rare. It's not about following the law, it's about doing what's best for the company or government.
Using your business example, look at it from a market perspective. Short of giving away vital strategies that competitors might want, there's a lot of good that can come from allowing stock holders access to what's going on with the suits. They can make more informed decisions and the market can be more healthy. If McDonalds has a new CEO, and no one is really sure how well the CEO will do, wouldn't it be good to see him or her speak in a meeting and get a better idea of how capable he or she will be? I would think so. Secrecy often leads to fear, and fear is why so many markets are plagued by inaccurate speculation.
Likewise, governmental secrecy leads to fear, and rightly so considering the behavior of this administration and many before it. The president and congress are both polling around 20% approval right now, and it's because the transparency we're getting is into the past. We aren't finding out about all of these horrible decisions until the consequences are upon us because there's not enough transparency.
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