Research on the Response of Local Governments in Governing Online

• In Event: Accountability and Responsiveness in Public Policy

Abstract

Government responsiveness is vital for maintaining regime legitimacy and social stability. With the rapid economic development and changing social structure, citizens’ demands are becoming increasingly intricate, making enhanced responsiveness a necessary requirement for governments at all levels to bolster their governance capacity and achieve assessment goals. In the 21st century, Internet technology has deeply permeated people’s lives, with online platforms serving as key channels for public expression and demands. Research on government responsiveness often centers on issues, causes, and countermeasures during the response process, but lacks a comprehensive analysis of influencing factors, dynamics, and mechanisms.
This study delves into the interaction between citizens and the government by analyzing 35,667 messages and replies on Beijing’s “Leaders’ Message Board” from 2022 to 2023. The findings indicate that public discourse style, discourse length, emotional communication, collective action tendencies, and administrative hierarchy significantly impact government responses. Its intrinsic mechanism arises from a combination of citizens’ strategic expression and the government’s hierarchical attributes. The study uncovers influencing factors and underlying mechanisms of government response, identifying four response modes based on the strengths and weaknesses of public expression and government response.
This research provides theoretical insights and policy guidance for fostering positive interaction between the government and the people in the cyberspace realm. It highlights the importance of understanding the dynamics of citizen-government interaction and leveraging these insights for more effective governance in the digital age.

Author

• Na Tang, Huazhong University of Science and Technology