Autopoietic Cybergenres for e-Democracy? Genre Analysis of a Web-Based Discussion Board

TitleAutopoietic Cybergenres for e-Democracy? Genre Analysis of a Web-Based Discussion Board
Publication TypeBook Chapter
Year of Publication2005
AuthorsSæbø, Øystein, and Tero Päivärinta
EditorSprague, Ralph H., Jr.
Book TitleProceedings of the 38th Annual Hawaii International Conference on System Science
Pagination98c–
PublisherIEEE Computer Society Press
Place PublishedLos Alamitos, CA
Keywordscybergenre, democracy, e-democracy, genre
Abstract

The paper discusses genre theory in the field of e-Democracy. A framework for analysing communicative genres related to four stereotypical e-Democracy models is suggested. A case study of a web based discussion board in a municipality illustrates the implications of applying the genre lens to the e-Democracy research and practice, with lessons learned to considered in the future efforts on e-Democracy. Based on observations from the case, a theoretical concept of autopoietic cybergenre is suggested and its potential significance for future e-Democracy initiatives is addressed. An autopoietic cybergenre, such as a web-based discussion board, includes inherent capability for meta-communication enabling continuous structuring of the purpose(s) and parts of the form of the genre in question itself.