An institutional approach to analyze the multi-level policymaking system of online social networks: a case study of Iran
Digital Policy, Regulation and Governance
ISSN: 2398-5038
Article publication date: 16 February 2024
Issue publication date: 9 April 2024
Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to elucidate institutional analysis as an effective approach to investigating and designing the multilevel policymaking system of online social networks (OSN) for achieving a participatory model.
Design/methodology/approach
The institutional mapping approach has been used to analyze Iran’s OSN multilevel policymaking system. A combination of two matrices, including institutions-institutions and institutions-functions, was used to perform the institutional mapping. Two main steps were taken to draw the mentioned matrices. First, a review of related studies in Iran’s OSN policymaking system was conducted and the policy functions mentioned in these studies were identified and categorized using the meta-synthesis. Second, based on analyzing two policy documents of Iran’s OSN, institutions and their interactions were identified and policy functions were allocated to institutions.
Findings
Based on the results, the most important policy functions in the current OSN policymaking system in Iran are support, regulatory, monitoring and evaluation, business environment development, culture building and promotion, organizing licenses and permissions, policymaking and legislation. Also, the results show that there are shortcomings in this system, some of the most important of which are lack of transparency in regulatory, little work in culture building and promotion, neglect of the training of specialized human resources and research and development, slow development of the business environment and neglecting the role of nongovernmental organizations in policymaking.
Originality/value
By examining and analyzing how different institutions operate within a multilevel policymaking system, the policymaking process and its overall effectiveness can be enhanced. This analysis helps identify any inconsistencies, overlaps or conflicts in the roles and policies of these institutions, leading to a better understanding of how a multilevel policymaking system is organized.
Keywords
Acknowledgements
Declarations: The authors did not receive support from any organization for the submitted work.
No funding was received to assist with the preparation of this manuscript.
No funding was received for conducting this study.
No funds, grants or other support was received.
The authors certify that they have no affiliations with or involvement in any organization or entity with any financial interest or nonfinancial interest in the subject matter or materials discussed in this manuscript.
The authors declare that they have no potential conflicts of interest to disclose.
Citation
Namdarian, L. and Khedmatgozar, H.R. (2024), "An institutional approach to analyze the multi-level policymaking system of online social networks: a case study of Iran", Digital Policy, Regulation and Governance, Vol. 26 No. 3, pp. 267-294. https://doi.org/10.1108/DPRG-09-2023-0129
Publisher
:Emerald Publishing Limited
Copyright © 2024, Emerald Publishing Limited