How do information and communication technology platforms shape rural e-governance: The case of Zhao-lou Village on the WeCounty platform

Abstract

This study investigates the role of information and communication technology (ICT) platforms in facilitating e-governance within a rural context. A longitudinal single-case study approach was employed, involving 37 semi-structured interviews from 2019 to 2022. The findings reveal that information asymmetry and persistent tensions between the government and villagers hinder cooperative behaviour in rural governance, at varying degrees throughout all stages of e-governance. Second, a contagion effect is identified, where the government coerces non-cooperative villagers, exacerbating tensions. The coercive and negotiating-compromising mechanism enabled by ICT platforms illustrates how the ICT platform enables the contagion effect occurs during rural policy deployment. Third, the goal incongruence between the government and villagers necessitates the government's utilisation of ICT platforms to adopt active engagement and induce event that encourage goal articulation, which facilitates a better goal alignment between both parties. This approach promotes the observation of collaborative behaviour among villagers and ultimately fosters increased collaboration with the government, that is, mimicking villagers' behaviour. Meanwhile, government stimulation can effectively facilitate the interaction between government and villagers, promoting the negotiation and compromise between the two parties. Such compromises can foster the goal congruence between the two parties, consequently encouraging greater participation from villagers in rural governance. The case offers valuable insights into the mechanisms by which ICT facilitates rural e-governance, thereby holding significant implications for research on ICT-rural governance and governments grappling with challenges in implementing rural policies.