Citizen Participation and Transparency in Local Government: Does Online or Offline Participation Matters?

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to analyze the impact of citizens’ engagement in various participation programs on the participants’ assessment of transparency in local government. To examine the relationship between citizen participation and transparency, the study focuses on two dimensions of citizen participation: 1) citizen engagement in participation programs; and 2) online and offline participation programs. Citizens’ assessment of transparency is measured with citizens’ perceptions of openness, corruption, two-way communication with citizens, and fair and increased opportunities to participate in the rule making process in the local government. Using the 2009 Citizen Survey data in Seoul Metropolitan Government, the study finds that citizen engagement in participation programs (both online and offline) is positively associated with their assessment of government transparency. The study also finds that the citizens who engage in online participation programs do not show a higher level of their assessment of transparency in local government than the citizens who engage in offline participation programs.