Stephen Aikins

Research in Internet-based Citizen Participation: the Unrealized Promise of Bringing Citizens Closer to Their Governments Stephen Aikins

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.