Digital Media and Governance Research: Empirical Evidence from Public Administration and Political Science Scholars

Abstract

Background: Recent scholarly interest has focused on the impact of digital media on various aspects of human endeavour. However, governance research has received limited attention in this context.

Objective: This study aimed to determine the impact of digital media on governance research.

Methodology: A descriptive survey research design targeted public administration and political science researchers. The sample consisted of 218 participants selected using a respondent-driven chain referral sampling technique. Data were collected using structured questionnaires and analysed using descriptive statistics.

Results: The study revealed that digital media significantly influence governance research. Key aspects affected include data analysis, data collection, literature review, and intervention delivery. Essential digital media tools impacting governance research comprise journal selection tools, academic writing tools, reference management tools, search engines, and data analysis tools. Furthermore, digital media platforms have impacted all four dimensions of e-governance. These findings align with the technological determinism theory, demonstrating the profound impact of technological advancements on governance research.

Contribution: This study provides empirical evidence on the influence of digital media platforms on governance research, highlighting the shift from manual to digital processes.

Conclusion: Digital media platforms have significantly transformed governance research, enhancing efficiency and effectiveness across various research processes.

Recommendation: Future studies should explore the impact of digital media tools in other disciplines to broaden the understanding of their influence.