Which Matters More in Coproduction? Political Message, Policy, or Factual Information

Abstract

To coproduce better policy outcomes, governments and citizens need to work together. However, information asymmetry between the two parties influences the coproduction adversely. Nowadays, the multiplicity of information and its potential incongruence add to information asymmetry and make the impact of information on coproduction trickier than ever. This study examines the effects of political message, policy, and factual information on citizens’ coproduction activities. Analyzing the effects of federal and state leaders’ tweets, New York City's COVID-19 policies, reported COVID-19 cases and deaths, and the city's visits and public transportation ridership, the findings show that politicians’ message, congruent or not, did not influence citizens’ coproduction activities as measured by visits and public transit ridership. Policy implementation information improved coproduction, and the perceptions of factual information contributed to intended coproduction.