Stages of e-democracy: towards an open-source political model. (11th June 2007)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Berthon, P.; Williams, C.B.
• Is Part Of: International journal of information technology and management. Volume 6:Number 2-4(2007)
• Page Start: 329
• Page End: 342
• Publication Date: 2007-06-11
• Subjects: marketing -- consumption -- co-production -- open source model -- digital democracy -- e-democracy -- electronic democracy -- online democracy -- business models -- politics models; Management information systems -- Periodicals; Information technology -- Periodicals; Management -- Data processing -- Periodicals; 658.403805
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1461-4111

Abstract

Digital networks such as the internet are facilitating and accelerating a change in the relationship between producers and customers. The change embodies a profound shift in power and ideology whereby people become co-producers of value rather than passive consumers. This transition is increasingly mirrored in US politics. Rather than simply choosing between competing candidates, the internet and web-based tools enable voters to become co-producers. In this nascent era of e-Democracy, there is a dearth of conceptual frameworks with which to make sense of the phenomenon. To fill this need, this paper explores how an open-source model of business and politics emerges, its stages and characteristics, and prospects for changing entrenched political processes.