A three–layered framework for evaluating e–participation. (28th March 2012)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Smith, Simon; Macintosh, Ann; Millard, Jeremy
• Is Part Of: International journal of electronic governance. Volume 4:Number 4(2011)
• Page Start: 304
• Page End: 321
• Publication Date: 2012-03-28
• Subjects: e–participation -- electronic participation -- political engagement -- impact assessment -- evaluation frameworks -- logical models -- intervention logic -- internal project components -- external moderators -- front regions -- back regions -- outputs -- outcomes -- participation processes -- high–level goals -- policy goals -- cultural factors -- transformation -- long–term impacts -- European Commission -- European Parliament -- electronic governance -- e–governance; Internet in public administration -- Periodicals; Electronic government information -- Periodicals; Political participation -- Technological innovations -- Periodicals; 352.3802854678
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1742-7509

Abstract

This paper presents a framework for evaluating e–participation, distinguishing between internal project components and external moderators and between front and back regions of e–participation from a governance perspective. It uses a three–layered impact assessment framework comprising outputs, outcomes and impacts and employs the notion of an intervention logic specifying types of actions necessary to initiate and manage participation processes. Its multi–layered and bounded character prompts evaluators to consider links to high–level policy goals, cultural factors and the chain of transformations which condition long–term impacts. We show how we populated the framework for the purposes of a study of European e–participation.