Why consider digital communications media as part of a participative policy making process?
Benefits
There are three main reasons for considering digital communications media as part of a participative policy making process.
1. It makes it easier for people to participate
Traditional methods often require people to read official documents, write formal letters, attend meetings at fixed times in specific places. Many people find these methods either unappealing or unavailable for a variety of reasons e.g. lack of confidence, transport difficulties, time constraints, disability, literacy or insufficient effort to present the issues in terms that the audience find engaging.
e-Enabled methods provide the potential to remove these barriers. People are increasingly getting used to conducting much of their personal and business life through digital media, because this way makes things easier and more convenient.
For example, people could contribute online through their work or home PC (personal computer) at times convenient to them and by using a method of their choosing. Ways of providing feedback online can be flexible - ranging from the formal response, through questionnaires, polls and discussion forums in everyday language.
A participation strategy with integrated online elements provides more choice and accessibility.
2. It widens participation
e-Enabled methods can be designed to market and appeal to the preferences of different audiences. By doing this, groups of people who may have little or no previous interest or experience of public participation can gain their voice.
Digital communications media also has the potential to handle the contributions of very large numbers of people, whilst traditional methods have difficulty in doing this. Online methods can help social inclusion.
3. It deepens debate
Traditional methods in many cases (although not all) are based on a single exchange of views - a proposal is put forward and a response is received. There is little opportunity for a debate between the originator and the respondent. The respondents do not necessarily find out the views of other respondents and do not have the opportunity to share experiences, change views, test out options, develop contact and networks and form a deeper (and perhaps more continuous) part of the policy development process.
e-Enabled methods can provide opportunities to access relevant sources of information, improve deliberation and develop relationships which have a positive impact on policy development.
- 1. Benefits « You are here
- 2. Additional benefits