Web 2.0 tools for public participation through government websites

Abstract

The unpredictable pace of the Internet continues to transform the relationship between the government and the citizen into a novel type of interaction. In this type of interaction government agencies are supposed to drive the interaction level up to more participative services. Web 2.0 tools may serve for such a purpose, also serving for the enlargement of e-service provision with public participation. So, Web 2.0 tools may be regarded as a catalyst for citizens to get informed and provide input for public policy making. This paper deploys an empirical study for presence and functionality of Web 2.0 tools via Turkish government websites as a mechanism for citizen participation in a fast developing country case. The methodology of study covers a visual analysis of Web 2.0 contents in government websites. The analysis shows that since government websites are internally driven, they lack most of Web 2.0 tools. Besides, government websites are far from presenting a convenient context where citizens could participate in public policy formation by having opportunities offered by Web 2.0 tools.