Think individually, act collectively : studying the dynamics of a technologically enabled civic movement

Abstract

The use of information and communication technologies pervades our lives. Beyond the formal application of these technologies at work, we have recently seen civil society groupings using information technologies to facilitate the organization and coordination of civic actions aiming at collective goals. This research in progress addresses the study of a technologically enabled civic movement wherein ordinary citizens supported and organized a civic action aiming at cleaning up the litter illegally dumped in their country's forests. Our preliminary results indicate that information and communication technologies had different roles throughout this process of organizing a nationwide civic action, which are influenced by the underlying dominant logic of action. This research contributes to a better understanding of the use of information and communication technologies as catalysts for change at societal level and its role in supporting entrepreneurial civic participation.