Citizen-centricity in digital government research: A literature review and integrative framework

Abstract

Citizen-centricity is a common concept in digital government research and policy. However, there is little clarity regarding the concept in previous literature. To address this shortcoming, and build theoretical foundations for addressing both citizen-centricity and associated phenomena, we have examined how citizen-centricity is characterized in digital government research. This study is based on literature review of 66 journal articles. A combination of narrative analysis and ideal-type methodology identified themes concerning four modes of government, designated traditionalist, service-dominant, participatory, and transformative. Further analysis of associated types and research streams provides an overview of the theoretical understandings of citizen-centricity and methodological approaches applied to explore it in the literature. The findings contribute to contemporary theory on citizens in digital government by outlining an integrative framework of citizen-centricity. The paper concludes with proposals for further research, including efforts to enhance conceptual clarity and develop more dynamic theories.