The effect of local and federal government website use on trust in government: an exploratory analysis

摘要

The objective of this paper is a closer examination of how information and communication technology (ICT) may influence consumer/ citizen attitudes toward local and federal governments. This is accomplished through an exploratory analysis of how demographic variables affect local and federal government website use and their effect on trust in these levels of government. A survey of government website use was constructed utilising feedback from individuals experienced in using e-government websites. Analysis was based on a two-step Heckman selection model, including probit and generalised ordered logit models. It was found that gender, age, education, race, and income all can affect local government website use. This exploratory study contributes to a more detailed understanding of who uses the websites of the governments that most directly affect people's lives and whether e-government website use can lead to trust.