E-Participation, Transparency, and Trust in Local Government

Th is article examines the relationship between electronic participation (e-participation) and trust in local government by focusing on fi ve dimensions of the e-participation process: (1) satisfaction with e-participation applications, (2) satisfaction with government responsiveness to e-participants, (3) e-participants’ development through the participation, (4) perceived infl uence on decision making, and (5) assessment of government transparency. Using data from the 2009 E-Participation Survey in Seoul Metropolitan Government, this article fi nds that e-participants’ satisfaction with e-participation applications is directly associated with their development and their assessment of government transparency. Th e fi ndings reveal that e-participants’ satisfaction with government responsiveness is positively associated with their perceptions of infl uencing government decision making. Furthermore, there is a positive association between e-participants’ perception of infl uencing government decision making and their assessment of government transparency. Finally, the article fi nds that there is a positive association between e-participants’ assessment of government transparency and their trust in the local government providing the e-participation program.