The influence of political factors in policymakers' perceptions on the implementation of Web 2.0 technologies for citizen participation and knowledge sharing in public sector delivery

Abstract

Public administration is being pressured for innovation, driving service delivery towards a more personalized, outcome-driven, participative, efficient and collaborative model. In this regard, Web 2.0 technologies are potential powerful tools for supporting public engagement, intended to improve public services and to establish relationships between government and citizens based on information sharing and dialogue. This paper seeks to analyse the influence that political variables could have in the perception of policymakers regarding the use of Web 2.0 technologies for user participation, for knowledge sharing, and for technological innovation in public service delivery. Findings indicate that policymakers are prone to using Web 2.0 tech- nologies to improve internal productivity of local governments and the engagement of citizens in the process of public services' delivery, but with the aim of making suggestions through consultations. In addition, political factors such as ideology, political competition or political stability could influence the perception of policymakers regarding the use of Web 2.0 technologies for citizen participation and knowledge sharing in public sector delivery.