Virtual Social Networks Diffusion, Governance Mechanisms, and E-Participation Implementation: A Cross-Country Investigation

ABSTRACT:Despite the potential of governance mechanisms to bring a positive transformation in the public sector, little is known about the role of governance mechanisms of a country on the e-participation implementation. Drawing on the growth theory, the literature on IT governance, and Habermas’ conception of the public sphere, this study investigates the effects of national governance and IT governance of a country on its e-participation implementation, and role of VSN diffusion in influencing these governance mechanisms. The proposed research model is examined using publicly available archival data from 125 countries. Our findings suggest that VSN diffusion in a country positively influences its national governance and IT governance mechanisms, which, in turn, facilitate the implementation of e-information, e-consultation, and e-decision-making initiatives. Further, the study provides necessary implications that would encourage future research on the phenomenon. Virtual Social Networks Diffusion