TY - JOUR
T1 - A glimpse into policy informatics
T2 - The case of participatory platforms that generate synthetic empathy
AU - Krishnamurthy, Rashmi
AU - Desouza, Kevin C.
AU - Johnston, Erik
AU - Bhagwatwar, Akshay
PY - 2013
Y1 - 2013
N2 - In this article we introduce policy informatics as an emerging research space. Policy informatics is the study of how information systems are leveraged toward solving complex public policy problems. When used to increase participation, leveraging information systems includes: (1) platforms for the public to participate and engage in policy processes and with public agencies; (2) public agencies to utilize technologies to take advantage of information reservoirs for evidence-driven policy design; and (3) public agencies to be more transparent, participatory, and collaborative. Presented in this article is one illustrative application of policy informatics-human-centered participatory platforms. When individuals and groups seek to collaborate to resolve policy issues, competing interests and adversarial positions on issues as well as an unawareness of the others' perspectives often result in poor outcomes. Generating and disseminating feelings of empathy among members in these networks is crucial for mitigating conflicts. However, empathy generation and transfer is a complex challenge that requires systematic research within the design of participatory platforms. A thoughtful application of information systems (IS) can help bring diverse stakeholders together and promote cooperation by facilitating richer communication channels and timely feedback to generate a sense of shared community to pursue shared goals.
AB - In this article we introduce policy informatics as an emerging research space. Policy informatics is the study of how information systems are leveraged toward solving complex public policy problems. When used to increase participation, leveraging information systems includes: (1) platforms for the public to participate and engage in policy processes and with public agencies; (2) public agencies to utilize technologies to take advantage of information reservoirs for evidence-driven policy design; and (3) public agencies to be more transparent, participatory, and collaborative. Presented in this article is one illustrative application of policy informatics-human-centered participatory platforms. When individuals and groups seek to collaborate to resolve policy issues, competing interests and adversarial positions on issues as well as an unawareness of the others' perspectives often result in poor outcomes. Generating and disseminating feelings of empathy among members in these networks is crucial for mitigating conflicts. However, empathy generation and transfer is a complex challenge that requires systematic research within the design of participatory platforms. A thoughtful application of information systems (IS) can help bring diverse stakeholders together and promote cooperation by facilitating richer communication channels and timely feedback to generate a sense of shared community to pursue shared goals.
KW - Empathy
KW - Governance
KW - Information system design
KW - Participatory platforms
KW - Policy informatics
KW - Public administration
KW - Public policy
KW - Synthetic environment
UR - http://www.scopus.com/inward/record.url?scp=84891514057&partnerID=8YFLogxK
UR - http://www.scopus.com/inward/citedby.url?scp=84891514057&partnerID=8YFLogxK
U2 - 10.17705/1cais.03321
DO - 10.17705/1cais.03321
M3 - Article
AN - SCOPUS:84891514057
SN - 1529-3181
VL - 33
JO - Communications of the Association for Information Systems
JF - Communications of the Association for Information Systems
IS - 1
M1 - 21
ER -