The Impact of Social Media in the Public Sector

Abstract

Abstract In recent years the flood of new technologies and the expanded use of social media have already changed the way people communicate with each other. New technologies and social media, however, can change the communication between Government and the citizens as they contribute decisively to the transformation of public administration towards a new and open format that will be characterized by: a) active participation of citizens in public affairs, b) close collaboration between public services and between government and citizens, and c) transparency of the State activities. The transition to an open governance is a process with many stages. This paper presents different models of e-government and open government referred to in the literature, and proposes a new model of open government. Furthermore, in this paper we will try to answer questions such as: What are the guidelines and commitments to Greece, Europe and the world? What is the level of penetration of new technologies in public administration in different countries and which ones are actively moving towards a model of open government? We will also present representative efforts developed in Greece and abroad that attempt to serve the principles of transparency, active participation, innovation and collaboration in the public sector. Finally suggestions and recommendations are made for further study and research.