Online Political Communication Strategies: MEPs, E-Representation, and Self-Representation

Authors: Lilleker, D.G. and Koc-Michalska, K.

Journal: Journal of Information Technology and Politics

Volume: 10

Issue: 2

Pages: 190-207

eISSN: 1933-169X

ISSN: 1933-1681

DOI: 10.1080/19331681.2012.758071

Abstract:

Research into the communication strategies of legislators has a long history. The European Parliament offers an opportunity to add to understanding of how legislators prioritize styles of communication, with a comparative perspective across 27 nations. Through content analysis of online communication, we investigate how the Internet is used by members of the European Parliament. Our analysis assesses three communication strategies: homestyle, impression management, and participatory. We find that a homestyle strategy predominates, followed by impression management. Participatory communication is emergent, but may earn legislators political capital, as it appears that proactive communicators who offer participatory opportunities are more likely to build an online following. © 2013 Copyright Taylor & Francis Group, LLC.

https://eprints.bournemouth.ac.uk/23494/

Source: Scopus

Preferred by: Darren Lilleker