Toward a theory of e-government: Challenges and opportunities, a literature review

Mengzhong Zhang, Manpreet Kaur

Article ID: 7707
Vol 8, Issue 10, 2024

VIEWS - 3546 (Abstract)

Abstract


This paper examines the transformative potential of e-government in public administration, focusing on its capacity to enhance service delivery, transparency, accessibility, cost efficiency, and civic engagement. The study identifies key challenges, including inadequate technological infrastructure, cybersecurity vulnerabilities, resistance to change within public institutions, and a lack of public awareness about e-government services. These barriers hinder the seamless operation and adoption of digital government initiatives. Conversely, the study highlights significant opportunities such as streamlined service delivery, enhanced transparency through real-time access to government data, increased accessibility for marginalized and remote communities, substantial cost savings, and greater civic engagement via digital platforms. Addressing these challenges through targeted strategies—enhancing technological infrastructure, bolstering cybersecurity, managing organizational change, and raising public awareness—can help policymakers and public administrators implement more effective and inclusive e-government initiatives. Additionally, the integration of these digital solutions can drive sustainable development and digital inclusion, fostering social equity and economic growth. By leveraging these opportunities, governments can achieve more efficient, transparent, and accountable governance. Ultimately, the successful implementation of e-government can transform the relationship between citizens and the state, building trust and fostering a more participatory democratic process.


Keywords


e-government; service delivery; transparency; accessibility; cost efficiency; civic engagement; e-government theory

Full Text:

PDF


References

  1. Abdulkareem, A. K., & Ramli, R. M. (2021). Does digital literacy predict e-government performance an extension of Delone and Mclean information system success model. Electronic Government, an International Journal, 17(4), 466. https://doi.org/10.1504/eg.2021.118103
  2. Ahn, M. J., & Stuart, B. (2011). Politics of E‐Government: E‐Government and the Political Control of Bureaucracy. Public Administration Review, 71(3), 414–424. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1540-6210.2011.02225.x
  3. Aigner, I., Garai-Fodor, M., & Szemere, T. P. (2022). Singapore’s Journey as a Digit-all-ized and Innovative Smart Nation Toward Sustainability. In: Proceedings of the 2022 IEEE 10th Jubilee International Conference on Computational Cybernetics and Cyber-Medical Systems (ICCC). https://doi.org/10.1109/iccc202255925.2022.9922714
  4. Apostolou, D., Stojanovic, N., & Stojanovic, L. (2005). Change management in e-government: OntoGov case study. Electronic Government, an International Journal, 3(1), 74. https://doi.org/10.1504/eg.2006.008493
  5. Bannister, F., & Connolly, R. (2015). The great theory hunt: Does e-government really have a problem? Government Information Quarterly, 32(1), 1–11. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.giq.2014.10.003
  6. Barbosa, A., Pozzebon, M., & Diniz, E. (n.d.). Rethinking E‐Government Performance Assessment from A Citizen Perspective. Public Administration, 91(3), 744–762. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1467-9299.2012.02095.x
  7. Basu, S. (2011). E‐government and developing countries: an overview. International Review of Law, Computers & Technology, 18(1), 109–132. https://doi.org/10.1080/13600860410001674779
  8. Batjargal, T., & Zhang, M. (2021). Review of key challenges in public-private partnership implementation. Journal of Infrastructure, Policy and Development, 5(2), 1378.
  9. Batjargal, T., & Zhang, M. (2022). Review on the Public-Private Partnership. Management Studies, 10(1). https://doi.org/10.17265/2328-2185/2022.01.001
  10. Belanger, F., & Hiller, J. S. (2006). A framework for e‐government: privacy implications. Business Process Management Journal, 12(1), 48–60. https://doi.org/10.1108/14637150610643751
  11. Berdykhanova, D., Dehghantanha, A., & Kumaresh, H. (2010). Trust challenges and issues of e-government: E-tax prospective. In: Proceedings of the 2010 International Symposium on Information Technology. https://doi.org/10.1109/itsim.2010.5561596
  12. Campmas, A., Iacob, N., & Simonelli, F. (2022). How can interoperability stimulate the use of digital public services? An analysis of national interoperability frameworks and e-Government in the European Union. Data & Policy, 4. https://doi.org/10.1017/dap.2022.11
  13. Chohan, S. R., & Hu, G. (2020). Strengthening digital inclusion through e-government: cohesive ICT training programs to intensify digital competency. Information Technology for Development, 28(1), 16–38. https://doi.org/10.1080/02681102.2020.1841713
  14. Choi, T., & Chandler, S. M. (2020). Knowledge vacuum: An organizational learning dynamic of how e-government innovations fail. Government Information Quarterly, 37(1), 101416. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.giq.2019.101416
  15. Chuob, S., Pokharel, M., & Park, J. S. (2011). Modeling and Analysis of Cloud Computing Availability Based on Eucalyptus Platform for E-Government Data Center. In: Proceedings of the 2011 Fifth International Conference on Innovative Mobile and Internet Services in Ubiquitous Computing. https://doi.org/10.1109/imis.2011.135
  16. Crowder, R., Alateyah, S., & Wills, G. (2013). An exploratory study of proposed factors to adopt e-government services. International Journal of Advanced Computer Science and Applications, 4(11).
  17. Curtin, G., Sommer, M., & Vis-Sommer, V. (2008). The World of E-government. Journal of Political Marketing, 2(3–4), 1–16. https://doi.org/10.1300/J199v02n03_01
  18. Dahiya, D., & Mathew, S. K. (2016). IT assets, IT infrastructure performance and IT capability: a framework for e-government. Transforming Government: People, Process and Policy, 10(3), 411–433. https://doi.org/10.1108/tg-07-2015-0031
  19. Dias, G. P. (2020). Global e-government development: besides the relative wealth of countries, do policies matter? Transforming Government: People, Process and Policy, 14(3), 381–400. https://doi.org/10.1108/tg-12-2019-0125
  20. Dixon, M., McGill, T., & Dhiyab, A. (2014). Examining the Impact of E-privacy Risk Concerns on Citizens’ Intentions to Use E-government Services: An Oman Perspective. Journal of Information Privacy and Security, 5(2), 3–26. https://doi.org/10.1080/15536548.2009.10855861
  21. Donald, N. F., & Christopher, R. G. (2012). Local E‐Government in the United States: Transformation or Incremental Change? Public Administration Review, 73(1), 165–175. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1540-6210.2012.02647.x
  22. Doran, M., Doran, N., Puiu, S., et al. (2023). E-Government Development—A Key Factor in Government Administration Effectiveness in the European Union. Electronics, 12(3), 641. https://doi.org/10.3390/electronics12030641
  23. Eyob, E. (2004). E-government: breaking the frontiers of inefficiencies in the public sector. Electronic Government, an International Journal, 1(1), 107. https://doi.org/10.1504/eg.2004.004140
  24. Faisal, T., & Faisal, M. N. (2019). E-government to m-government: a study in a developing economy. International Journal of Mobile Communications, 14(6), 568. https://doi.org/10.1504/ijmc.2016.079301
  25. Garcia, J., & Reyes, L. (2011). Using institutional theory and dynamic simulation to understand complex e-Government phenomena. Government Information Quarterly, 28(3), 329–345. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.giq.2010.08.007
  26. González, L., Echevarroa, A., Morales, D., et al. (2016). An E-government Interoperability Platform Supporting Personal Data Protection Regulations. CLEI Electronic Journal. https://doi.org/10.19153/cleiej.19.2.7
  27. Gottschalk, P., & Solli-Saether, H. (2009). Stages of E-Government Interoperability. E-Government Interoperability and Information Resource Integration, 108–123. https://doi.org/10.4018/978-1-60566-648-8.ch005
  28. Halachmi, A., & Greiling, D. (2013). Transparency, E-Government, and Accountability. Public Performance & Management Review, 36(4), 572–584. https://doi.org/10.2753/pmr1530-9576360404
  29. Hassan, S., & Garcia, R. (2008). Institutional Theory and E-Government Research. In: Handbook of Research on Public Information Technology. IGI Global. pp. 349–360. https://doi.org/10.4018/978-1-59904-857-4.ch034
  30. Hussein, R., Shahriza, A. K. N., & Hasan Selamat, M. (2007). The impact of technological factors on information systems success in the electronic‐government context. Business Process Management Journal, 13(5), 613–627. https://doi.org/10.1108/14637150710823110
  31. Jaeger, P., & Bertot, J. (2012). Implementing and Managing Public Library Networks, Connectivity, and Partnerships to Promote E-Government Access and Education. Managing E-Government Projects, 183–199. https://doi.org/10.4018/978-1-4666-0086-7.ch007
  32. Jawarneh, M. (2024). Advancements in Digital Technologies: Exploring the Impact on Healthcare, Education, and Network Connectivity in the Era of 5G and IoT. Available online: https://www.irejournals.com/formatedpaper/1705775.pdf (accessed on 2 June 2023).
  33. Kalu, K. (2007). Capacity Building and IT Diffusion. Social Science Computer Review, 25(3), 358–371. https://doi.org/10.1177/0894439307296917
  34. Kamolov, S., & Konstantinova, A. (2017). E-government: Way of Modernization and Efficiency Enhancement of Public Governance. Journal of Law and Administration, 1(42), 13–21. https://doi.org/10.24833/2073-8420-2017-1-42-13-21
  35. Kang, S., & Gearhart, S. (2010). E-Government and Civic Engagement: How is Citizens’ Use of City Web Sites Related with Civic Involvement and Political Behaviors? Journal of Broadcasting & Electronic Media, 54(3), 443–462. https://doi.org/10.1080/08838151.2010.498847
  36. Krishnan, S., & Thompson, S. H. (2012). Moderating effects of governance on information infrastructure and e‐government development. Journal of the American Society for Information Science and Technology, 63(10), 1929–1946. https://doi.org/10.1002/asi.22660
  37. Lam, W. (2005). Barriers to e‐government integration. Journal of Enterprise Information Management, 18(5), 511–530. https://doi.org/10.1108/17410390510623981
  38. Lean, O., Zailani, S., Ramayah, T., et al. (2009). Factors influencing intention to use e-government services among citizens in Malaysia. International Journal of Information Management, 29(6), 458–475. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijinfomgt.2009.03.012
  39. Malodia, S., Dhir, A., Mishra, M., et al. (2021). Future of e-Government: An integrated conceptual framework. Technological Forecasting and Social Change, 173, 121102. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.techfore.2021.121102
  40. Morgeson, F., Mithas, S., & Aliazzaf, S. (2018). An empirical and comparative analysis of E-government performance measurement models. Government Information Quarterly, 35(4), 515–535. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.giq.2018.07.003
  41. Mpinganjira. (2015). Use of e-government services: the role of trust. International Journal of Emerging Markets, 10(4), 622–633. https://doi.org/10.1108/ijoem-12-2013-0151
  42. Nasi, G., & Frosini, F. (2010). Vision And Practice Of E-Government: An Empirical Study. Financial Accountability & Management, 26(1), 85–101. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1468-0408.2009.00492.x
  43. Palanisamy, R., & Mukerji, B. (2016). Security and Privacy Issues in E-Government. E-Government Service Maturity and Development, 236–248. https://doi.org/10.4018/978-1-60960-848-4.ch013
  44. Panagoulias, D., Virvou, M., & Tsihrintzis, G. (2024). A novel framework for artificial intelligence explainability via the Technology Acceptance Model and Rapid Estimate of Adult Literacy in Medicine using machine learning. Expert Systems with Applications, 248, 123375. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.eswa.2024.123375
  45. Pardo, T., Nam, T., & Burke, G. (2011). E-Government Interoperability. Social Science Computer Review, 30(1), 7–23. https://doi.org/10.1177/0894439310392184
  46. Patergiannaki, Z., & Pollalis, Y. A. (2023). Bridging the gap: assessing disparities in e-Government service offerings and citizen demand. Transforming Government: People, Process and Policy, 17(4), 532–551. https://doi.org/10.1108/tg-04-2023-0050
  47. Prima, S., & Ibrahim, R. (2011). Citizen awareness to e-government services for information personalization. International Jouranl of Innovative Computing, 1(1). https://doi.org/10.11113/ijic.v1n1.4
  48. Radanliev, P. (2024). Cyber diplomacy: defining the opportunities for cybersecurity and risks from Artificial Intelligence, IoT, Blockchains, and Quantum Computing. Journal of Cyber Security Technology, 1–51. https://doi.org/10.1080/23742917.2024.2312671
  49. Rana, N. P., Williams, M. D., Dwivedi, Y. K., et al. (2012). Theories and Theoretical Models for Examining the Adoption of E-Government Services. E-Service Journal, 8(2), 26. https://doi.org/10.2979/eservicej.8.2.26
  50. Rana, Williams, Dwivedi, et al. (2012). Theories and Theoretical Models for Examining the Adoption of E-Government Services. E-Service Journal, 8(2), 26. https://doi.org/10.2979/eservicej.8.2.26
  51. Reddick, C., & Anthopoulos, L. (2014). Interactions with e-government, new digital media and traditional channel choices: citizen-initiated factors. Transforming Government: People, Process and Policy, 8(3), 398–419. https://doi.org/10.1108/tg-01-2014-0001
  52. Rowley, J. (2011). e-Government stakeholders—Who are they and what do they want? International Journal of Information Management, 31(1), 53–62. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijinfomgt.2010.05.005
  53. Sandhu, K., Alomari, M. K., & Woods, P. (2014). Exploring citizen perceptions of barriers to e-government adoption in a developing country. Transforming Government: People, Process and Policy, 8(1), 131–150. https://doi.org/10.1108/tg-05-2013-0013
  54. Schwester, R. W. (2009). Examining the Barriers to e-Government Adoption. Electronic Journal of e-Government, 7(1).
  55. Seng, W. M., Stephen J., & Philip, G. (2008). Cultural issues in developing E-Government in Malaysia. Behaviour & Information Technology, 29(4), 423–432. https://doi.org/10.1080/01449290903300931
  56. Shanab, E. A. (2019). Predicting trust in e-government: two competing models. Electronic Government, an International Journal, 15(2), 129. https://doi.org/10.1504/eg.2019.098669
  57. Shareef, M., Kumar, U., Kumar, V., et al. (2009). Identifying critical factors for adoption of e-government. Electronic Government, an International Journal, 6(1), 70. https://doi.org/10.1504/eg.2009.022594
  58. Sharma, S. K., & Gupta, J. N. (2003). Building Blocks of an E-Government. Journal of Electronic Commerce in Organizations, 1(4), 34–48. https://doi.org/10.4018/jeco.2003100103
  59. Singh, M., Zhao, F., & Wallis, J. (2015). E-government development and the digital economy: a reciprocal relationship. Internet Research, 25(5), 734–766. https://doi.org/10.1108/intr-02-2014-0055
  60. Stamati, T., Karantjias, A., & Martakos, D. (2010). Advanced e-government enterprise strategies and solutions. International Journal of Electronic Governance, 3(2), 170. https://doi.org/10.1504/ijeg.2010.034094
  61. Stavrou, V. P., & Panayiotou, N. A. (2021). Government to business e-services—A systematic literature review. Government Information Quarterly, 38(2), 101576. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.giq.2021.101576
  62. Sun P., Ku, C., & Shih, D. (2015). An implementation framework for E-Government 2.0. Telematics and Informatics, 32(3), 504–520. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tele.2014.12.003
  63. Telo, J. (2021). Privacy and cybersecurity concerns in smart governance systems in developing countries. The Tensorgate Journal of Sustainable Technology and Infrastructure for Developing Countries, 4(1).
  64. Theresa, P., Taewoo, N., & Burke, B. G. (2011). E-Government Interoperability. Social Science Computer Review, 30(1), 7–23. https://doi.org/10.1177/0894439310392184
  65. Verdegem, P., & Hauttekeete, L. (2010). A User-Centric Approach in E-Government Policies. Citizens and E-Government, 20–36. https://doi.org/10.4018/978-1-61520-931-6.ch002
  66. West, D. M. (2004). E‐Government and the Transformation of Service Delivery and Citizen Attitudes. Public Administration Review, 64(1), 15–27. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1540-6210.2004.00343.x
  67. Wu, Y. (2014). Protecting personal data in E-government: A cross-country study. Government Information Quarterly, 31(1), 150–159. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.giq.2013.07.003
  68. Xiao, J., Zhang, H., & Xu, X. (2014). Diffusion of e-government: A literature review and directions for future directions. Government Information Quarterly, 31(4), 631–636. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.giq.2013.10.013
  69. Xu, H., & Asencio, H. (2012). E-Government in Local Government in the Era of Web 2.0. Citizen 2.0: Public and Governmental Interaction through Web 2.0 Technologies, 114–128. https://doi.org/10.4018/978-1-4666-0318-9.ch007
  70. Yang, K., & Rho, S. (2007). E-Government for Better Performance: Promises, Realities, and Challenges. International Journal of Public Administration, 30(11), 1197–1217. https://doi.org/10.1080/01900690701225556
  71. Yusifov, F., & Aliguliyev, R. (2018). Role of Social Networks in E-government: Risks and Security Threats. Online Journal of Communication and Media Technologies, 8(4). https://doi.org/10.12973/ojcmt/3957
  72. Zhang, B., Chong, P., & Chen, Y. (2004). Cyber security management and e-government. Electronic Government, an International Journal, 1(3), 316. https://doi.org/10.1504/eg.2004.005555
  73. Zhang, M., & Batjargal, T. (2022). Review on new spending of United States Bipartisan Infrastructure Bill. Journal of Infrastructure, Policy and Development, 6(2), 1507. https://doi.org/10.24294/jipd.v6i2.1507
  74. Zhang, M., & Sapiev, A. (2024). Review of the Factors Leading to Corruption in Russia. International Journal of Law and Politics Studies, 6(3), 145–163.
  75. Zhang, M., & Shahid, R. (2024). Enlightening Bangladesh: Navigating power sector challenges through PPP excellence. Journal of Infrastructure, Policy and Development, 8(3), 2529. https://doi.org/10.24294/jipd.v8i3.2529


DOI: https://doi.org/10.24294/jipd.v8i10.7707

Refbacks

  • There are currently no refbacks.


Copyright (c) 2024 Mengzhong Zhang, Manpreet Kaur

License URL: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

This site is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.