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Assessing the Impact of Information Technology (WWW) on the attainment of Positive Corporate Image (PCI) to enhance re-election bid of incumbent Public Officers in Nigeria


OE Osuagwu
S Okide
C Ndigwe
D Edebeato
E Ekwonwune
U Nworgu
Z Abaenewe

Abstract

This paper was born out of pragmatic attempt by the authors to assess what factors influence “Positive Image” of incumbent public officers, the role of IT in reinforcing, maintaining and sustaining positive image and its
concomitant re-election fortunes; what voters consider effective metrics for measuring performance of public officers; the factors that influence the swaying of votes in favour of the incumbent if election administration is
transparent. Another important issue considered critical for public interest is the non-infrastructural development of Local Government Areas (LGA) in spite of huge budgetary allocations by the Federal Government. These questions were motivated by the citizens’ desire for effective, credible  management and administration of the geographical entity called Nigeria. One thousand sample questionnaires were distributed via the internet and
through personal contacts. The returned questionnaires were subjected to statistical analysis using Analysis of Variance Technique (ANOVA). The results of the analysis revealed that false image laundering for  non performaning incumbent public servants is the most critical negative factor that can damage positive image and cause electoral misfortune. It was also observed from the analysis that Nigerians are not satisfied with the
performance of the present political dispensation. Deployment of  information technology can help political office aspirant to create positive image and enhance electoral fortunes. It was recommended, therefore, that those incumbent public officers seeking re-election must be mindful of the identified negative factors and begin early enough (preferably after the first election victory) to create positive public image to enhance and  consolidate public legitimacy and influence electoral victory at the polls. Nigerians are getting wiser politically and it may not be business as usual in the forth coming political dispensation. The WWW was seen as a crucial tool to drive positive image and election campaigns. Therefore, aspiring political office holders should hire IT consultants to build formidable web presence if they are to make any meaningful impact at the polls.

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print ISSN: 1116-5405