@article { , title = {Understanding the “e‐petitioner”}, abstract = {Purpose: This article considers the ways in which large-scale e-participation projects can be evaluated. It argues that existing evaluation approaches can be improved upon by taking a closer look at the characteristics of the users of such systems, by estimating their self-efficacy. Design/methodology/approach: Literature review is followed by the development of relevant research questions, and an assessment of points at which relevant and useful data can be collected in a petitioning process. Findings: Data relating to self-efficacy, while not simple to collect, can add much to the evaluation process, and has the potential to result in more effective projects and systems. Research limitations: The findings are specific to one project, EuroPetition, which will allow the co-ordination and submission of cross-border pan-European petitions. Originality/value: The article represents the first attempt to integrate perspectives derived from social cognitive theory to the evaluation of a large e-participation project. Self efficacy is discussed in terms of both computer self-efficacy and political self-efficacy.}, doi = {10.1108/17506161111173577}, issn = {1750-6166}, issue = {4}, note = {School: iidi}, pages = {319-329}, publicationstatus = {Published}, publisher = {Emerald}, url = {http://researchrepository.napier.ac.uk/id/eprint/4175}, volume = {5}, keyword = {JS Local government Municipal government, eGovernment, Information society, Centre for Social Informatics, AI and Technologies, e-petitions, edemocracy, eparticipation, europetition, international teledemocracy;}, year = {2011}, author = {Cruickshank, Peter and Smith, Colin} }