The effect of ICT on political development: a qualitative study of Iran

In the age of information revolution, information and communication technologies are penetrating all levels of societies and affecting the process of development in every country. In this era, the government and the people of each country have an important role in the strengthening or weakening of the process. This study examines the effect of ICT on political development in Iran, as an important component of the process of development. In order to explore the effect comprehensively, the government and the people are used as two critical groups which affect political development. This study uses the interview method and employs qualitative approaches such as grounded theory and narrative inquiry. Twenty-six government officials and policy makers of Iran, and 31 ordinary citizens of Tehran (the capital of Iran) were interviewed to investigate how ICT affects political development. The results were grouped into five categories: political empowerment and public control, as two factors which affect the political development of people; and capacity building, public service, and transparency as three elements which affect political development in government. The explanation of each factor regarding the effects of ICT on political development is discussed. In the end, some ideas for further research are presented.