e-engagement

e-engagement uses information technology (IT) to facilitate the process of engagement. This might be in the form of a focus group chat room, a blog, an on-line survey or for the delivery of information.

Advantages

At its simplist this can be a quick and cheap way of obtaining views.
If the group you are seeking to consult are IT literate it is a very flexible way of delivering information and letting people participate. As long as you have IT access, it doesn't matter where or when you are able to respond during a consultation period.
It is possible to use alternative formats -language, audio, graphics- to engage with hard to reach groups, including people with disabilities, young people and people who work during the day.
Can give a good response rate if there has been effective awareness-raising.
The lack of face to face contact might make it appropriate technique to deal with sensitive issues.

Disadvantages

Only accessible to people who are IT literate and have access to the appropriate equipment.
Engagement at a distance might not suit some people
Need to make sure that your software and hardware is up to the job. For example are there a lot of images which require a broadband connection but most of your potential users only have dial-up.

When to use

Use as the only method of engagement when you are certain that the groups you need to engage have a high level of access.
e-engagement is good to use as part of a range of engagement techniques and is particularly effective at reaching those is work and men in their 30s and 40s many of whom are likely to favour IT based methods of communication.

Interactive websites, are an increasingly important form of communication for community engagement practitioners. The use of e-engagement might include the use of mailing lists, chat rooms, on-line focus groups, or interactive questionnaires. There has been some recent work on the use of IT in promoting democracy for example see Bristol City Council's e petition homepage.