Methodology for assessing the effectiveness of citizen electronic participation in socio-political processes

The development and active introduction of information and communication technologies contributes to the emergence of new forms of citizen electronic participation in socio-political processes and the expansion of the circle of persons involved in these processes. In this regard, it becomes urgent to develop a method for evaluating the effectiveness of the use of existing information and communication technologies to enhance citizen socio-political participation. Currently, the scientific literature and management practice do not possess a single integrated approach to carry out such an assessment. The issue requires further study and elaboration, since the existing methods assume a one-sided assessment, in most cases focused on quantitative indicators. The article presents a four-aspect approach to the development of a comprehensive indicator of the effectiveness of citizens of socio-political activity through information and communication technologies. The proposed methodology is based on the fact that the effectiveness of information and communication technologies in increasing socio-political participation is determined by the ability of citizens, involved with their help in socio-political processes to participate in the policy pursued by the authorities, influence it and even determine it. The effectiveness of such socio-political participation depends on four aspects (technical, economic, social and political), each of which is determined by a set of indicators. All these aspects affect the perception of information and communication technologies, used by citizens for the manifestation of socio-political activity, as well as assessing the level of their accessibility, satisfaction with them and trust in them. The methodology was tested as part of a study of the socio-political participation of the Tyumen Oblast citizens using modern technologies. The study will be interesting for government and business representatives involved in the development, implementation, improvement of existing information and communication technologies for the purpose of citizens’ socio-political participation.