A policy feedback and socio-technical approach to e-participation (PFSTEP): A cross-national analysis of technology and institutions to explain e-participation

ABSTRACT

This paper aims at explaining the difference in e-participation (or online public participation) across countries using a conceptual model that is quantitatively analyzed using panel data. The model is based on the theories of policy feedback and socio-technical approach in the participation literature and explores the mediating and moderating role of technology on institutions. The technology variable is measured along four dimensions of information and communication technology (ICT), namely, infrastructure, affordability, skills, and usage. The institutions variable is measured along the two dimensions of political and regulatory environment and political rights and civil liberties. The study is significant as it quantitatively analyzes a complex longitudinal relationship between institutions, technology, and e-participation and finds support for institutions’ role as antecedents to technology. Findings inform that ICT skills play a mediating role while ICT infrastructure and usage act as moderator for institutions’ impact on e-participation.

KEYWORDS:

• Public participation
• e-participation
• technology
• institution
• policy feedback
• socio-technical
• e-government
• panel data
• longitudinal data

Additional information

Funding

This research did not receive any specific grant from funding agencies in the public, commercial, or not-for-profit sectors.

Notes on contributors

Pragati Rawat

Dr. Pragati Rawat completed her PhD in Public Administration and Urban Policy from Old Dominion University in 2018. An Engineer and MBA from India, she has about twenty years of work experience in multinationals and government. Prior to joining the PhD program, she was engaged as a Process Manager in the Unique Identification program of the Government of India that created world’s largest biometric database of residents for effective service delivery and inclusion. She has published in Politics & Policy, Journal of Environmental Studies and Sciences, Marine Technology Society Journal, and Public Works Management & Policy. She has reviewed manuscripts for journals such as, Policy Studies Journal and Politics & Policy.