Research in Internet-Based Citizen Participation

The use of Internet technology to further
citizen participation is believed to hold great promise to
enhance democratic governance by allowing citizens to
access public information and interact with government
officials, by promoting better accountability of public
officials to citizens, and by producing fertile grounds for
reinvigorated civil society. Although the technology is
applied in many government organizations to help improve
public service delivery, studies show many of the promises
of enhanced online interactions between governments and
citizens are yet to be fulfilled. Using mixed methodology
consisting of survey research and website content analysis,
this book provides empirical analysis of why many
governments have not taken advantage of the interactive
potential of the Internet to bring citizens closer to their
governments. The rigor and balanced approach makes this a
'must read' book and an excellent research guide for all
students in the social sciences, especially graduate
students who are working toward their theses and
dissertations. Researchers and practitioners in government
will also find this book very helpful.