Readiness assessment of e-government: a developing country perspective

2015 ◽  
Vol 9 (4) ◽  
pp. 498-516 ◽  
Author(s):  
Wahed Waheduzzaman ◽  
Shah J. Miah

Purpose – This study aims to describe an assessment methodology of e-Government readiness through an empirical study that investigates collaborative needs in operating effective governance at root-level public service delivery in a developing country context. Broader methodology that accommodates collective functions of the government should be used while assessing the readiness of e-Government implementation. Design/methodology/approach – The study is based on interview data collected from a total of 13 government officials, 21 elected representatives and 106 targeted citizens in the local government of Bangladesh. Findings – Through a qualitative case study, this paper empirically investigated a proposition of e-Government readiness within local government cases. The findings of the study may help rectify existing assessment methodologies in e-Government implementation. Research limitations/implications – The data analysis used a collaborative perspective subjectively rather than focusing on the objective manner to capture technological aspects. Practical implications – This finding could benefit various e-Government initiatives in developing countries, especially for addressing critical collaborative needs of e-Government implementation. Social implications – The findings of the paper represent social perspectives of new e-Government system implementation. Originality/value – The study proposed a holistic methodology of e-Government readiness assessment that can broaden existing assessment methodologies.

2020 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
A.K. Siti-Nabiha ◽  
Teddy Jurnali

Purpose This paper aims to investigate the actions and activities undertaken by public managers of a local government to institutionalise an externally mandated performance measurement and management (PMM) system in a developing country. Design/methodology/approach A qualitative case study of one of the best-ranked early adopters of PMM in a local government in Indonesia was undertaken, with interviews with public officers at various organisational levels, along with an extensive documentary review. An institutional work perspective was used to explain the types of work undertaken to institutionalise PMM at the organisation. Findings The PMM change was shown to be centralised and directed from the top and facilitated by other public officers. The Mayors’ instrumental and political view of PMM as a tool for efficiency and societal legitimacy enabled the adoption of PMM. The political and cultural work of the Mayor and the key officers involved constructing new rules pertaining to PMM, specifically in dealing with resource allocation and its associated sanctions and rewards, which encouraged more substantive implementation. The substantive implementation of PMM had a significant influence on the norms and values of the local government. Research limitations/implications The case organisation is the local government of a relatively medium-sized city. Therefore, it may be easier to achieve tighter control and coordination as compared to the local government of other larger cities. Originality/value The paper highlights the interrelated nature of institutional work in the creation and disruption of institutions. In addition, the three main types of institutional work, i.e. political, cultural and technical work, are not mutually exclusive. The paper also indicates the processes involved in the implementation of PMM, which unfolds from the establishment of a policy, its impact, and the role of the actors in the process.


2019 ◽  
Vol 57 (11) ◽  
pp. 3015-3034 ◽  
Author(s):  
Shirley Suellen Thesari ◽  
Flavio Trojan ◽  
Dayse Regina Batistus

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to present a model to support governmental local managers in public budget optimization, based on an integration of methods. It was constructed to fill the gap related to weights definition in problematic, commonly performed subjective assessments. This model supports the decision making in budget distribution identifying the importance of sectors in local governments, captured by historical data. Design/methodology/approach The model was developed following three steps: the first step included the exploitation of the characteristics of local sectors represented by city departments and the data collection procedure using time series (TS). In the second one, the weights regarding the importance of each city department were calculated by the UTASTAR method and based on historical data from the first step. Finally, an objective function was formulated using linear programming and constraints based on law specifications, and as a result, an optimized projection for public budget distribution was performed. Findings The results demonstrated that the model can be more efficient to weights definition, considering the behavior of preferences by historical data and supporting local public resources optimization, also to comply with the legislation, being able to predict or project future values available on the budget. Research limitations/implications The theoretical and practical implications are related with a novelty in recognizing the weights for criteria by a historical behavior of preferences. It can be bringing important directions for budget distribution. The main limitation detected in this study was the difficulty to formulate an assessment involving an integrated opinion from local managers and the population. Practical implications First of all, with the correct allocation of resources, the government has a greater advantage to capture investments from the negotiation with development entities and banks. Second, an efficient local government management can promote compliance with legislation and more transparent public policies. Social implications The correct distribution of resources affects the life quality for citizens, since the government acts as a provider of essential services for the population like education, safety, health, particularly for citizens who depend exclusively on the services offered by the local government. Moreover, it can also affect the environment as resources for garbage collection, disposal services and sanitation and, finally, affect the city development such as infrastructure, taxes, etc. Originality/value It might be considered an original contribution mainly by the development of a procedure to capture values for weights by TS and meeting the manager’s requirements, based on analytical, statistical and mathematical tools integrated.


Author(s):  
Mike Donnelly ◽  
Wayne Graham

Purpose The paper aims to introduce the reciprocal expectations (RE) approach to co-leadership and outlines the complex environments within which public services operate. Design/methodology/approach A case study of two government departments is undertaken to apply the RE approach within a public services context. Findings The application of the RE approach to co-leadership resulted in the mending of broken relationships, thereby providing the basis for stable, effective government, and restoring Ministerial confidence in the government departments. Practical implications Strong and effective co-leadership can be achieved when attributes of trust, honesty, and clear expectations are facilitated and mutually adopted. Originality/value The organizational context of elected and professional leaders in government is complex, unique, and requires special attention. The RE approach is original, and the case studies contribute to the knowledge of co-leadership and the benefits of the RE approach to good governance practice.


2020 ◽  
Vol 12 (1) ◽  
pp. 49-67
Author(s):  
Sadali Rasban ◽  
Adam Abdullah ◽  
Aznan Hasan

Purpose This paper aims to examine the current practice in Singapore regarding an inheritance issue: disposal of the residual net estate to the bayt al-māl, which is identified as the Islamic Religious Council of Singapore (Majlis Ugama Islam Singapura, MUIS). The issue arises when the deceased leaves farḍ (fixed-share) heir(s) and/or dhawū al-arḥām (outer family members) but there is no ʿaṣabah (agnatic residuary heir by blood). Farḍ legal heirs are those beneficiaries for whom the Qurʾān prescribes inheritance of a pre-determined share. Disposal of the residual net estate to the bayt al-māl results in a reduction in the share due to the farḍ legal heir or worse, a total loss to the dhawū al-arḥām legal heirs. Design/methodology/approach A qualitative approach based on library and case study research has been adopted to elaborate practices that fall under the purview of the Administration of Muslim Law Acts (AMLA), Chapter 3. Findings The current practice seems biased against, especially, women and spouses. It creates high dissatisfaction in the community, especially those affected by such practices. This paper elaborates on the practice of residual net estate distribution in Singapore and the contemporary practices of the four Sunni madh-habs – the Ḥanafī, Mālikī, Shāfiʿī and Ḥanbalī jurisprudential schools – in other countries. Research limitations/implications In Singapore, Muslim law is defined and implemented by the civil court, not the Syariah Court or MUIS. The recommendation to change from the current classical practice by the Syariah Court and MUIS to the contemporary practice that is relevant to today’s context lies with the civil court and Government of Singapore. The choice for the Syariah Court and MUIS to adopt the contemporary practice as per Ḥanafī School by rule of the court or the government is beyond this research. Zayd ibn Thābit, Caliph Abū Bakr and a small number of companions held the view that the residue net estate asset must go to the bayt al-māl, the current classical practice. The contemporary practice adopted by Sayyidina ʿUthmān ibn ʿAffān, Jābir ibn Zayd and majority of the companions’ view, is not in favour of the residue net estate asset to go to the bayt al-māl; rather they view that it must be returned to the legal heirs. Practical implications Awareness in the community in the current controversial practice in Singapore when the residue net estate through the farāʾiḍ law was giving to bayt al-māl instead of returning to farḍ or dhawū al-arḥām in the absence of the ʿaṣabah legal heir as stated in the Inheritance Certificate issued by Syariah Court. Social implications To understand the contemporary Muslim law and the practical and just application in today’s Singapore context as supported by the AMLA, Chapter 3. Originality/value This is the first study that challenges the current practice by the Syariah Court and MUIS in Singapore, thereby endeavouring to restore justice to the community.


2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Joseph Awoamim Yacim ◽  
Partson Paradza ◽  
Benita Zulch (Kotze)

Purpose This study aims to examine the statutory provisions as it concerns the practice of valuation for compensation of expropriated communal properties in Zimbabwe. The primary motivation was to have informed policies that would regulate the practice of landed property assessments for compensation purposes and further contributes to existing compensation debates. Design/methodology/approach A multiple case study approach was adopted, in which property valuation projects for Chiyadzwa and Tokwe-Mukosi, provinces were selected. These two projects were chosen because they are the most recent property valuation for compensation on expropriated communal properties. Content analysis was used to analyse the statutory provisions guiding property valuation and compensation rates adopted and used during the Chiyadzwa and Tokwe Mukosi valuation projects. Findings The study found an absence of statutory guidelines on the choice of valuation methodologies, leading to inconsistencies in compensation estimates for the communal properties. Research limitations/implications The study dwells on data from the previous assessment of communal properties that triggered discontentment amongst the people to build a framework for future valuations of communal properties. Practical implications This study reviewed the existing expropriation and compensation laws and built a comprehensive guiding framework for property valuers to choose appropriate valuation methodologies and procedures for the assessment of expropriated communal properties in Zimbabwe. Social implications The main motivation for this study is to find a lasting solution to frequent court cases and clashes between the government of Zimbabwe and the displaced people. Originality/value No study unravels the detailed property valuation processes used in determining the amount of payment for the expropriated communal properties in Zimbabwe. This study built a framework that will serve as a guide to the property valuers in the assessment of compensation for communal properties.


2019 ◽  
Vol 61 (3/4) ◽  
pp. 505-515
Author(s):  
Ilham Nurhidayat ◽  
Bevaola Kusumasari

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to attempt to address basic empirical and theoretical queries on why and how insiders have the courage to voice their concerns and reveal corruption on corruption-related crimes that have been committed in Indonesia. Design/methodology/approach This exploratory research uses the qualitative method and uses a multi-case study in exploring the reality of whistleblowing cases in Indonesia by treating each case with a unique case orientation. Data were acquired through in-depth interviews conducted with whistleblowers and other supporting informants. Findings By analysing the rationalisation of an insider’s courage in revealing the corruption act, this study finds out that the act of whistleblowing is driven by the intention developed in the whistleblower’s attitude to defy the actions of wrongdoers. Such an attitude can invoke courage in whistleblowers despite the perceived norms and control that are internally prevalent in the organisation being non-conducive to such acts. Practical implications The findings in this paper are expected to guide the government in drafting a policy creating a more effective whistleblowing system that protects whistleblowers. Originality/value This study endeavours to fill the existing gap in mainstream research regarding corruption-related crimes in Indonesia that, to date, focusses more on aspects relating to the perpetrators of corruption. This research, conversely, approaches the subject matter from the perspective of whistleblowers.


2018 ◽  
Vol 21 (4) ◽  
pp. 555-566 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tanya Gibbs

PurposeThis paper aims to analyse a new piece of Dubai legislation, Dubai Law No. (4) of 2016: The Dubai Economic Security Centre (DESC) Law, in respect of its role and impact on economic crime mitigation in the emirate and in the country as a whole.Design/methodology/approachThe jurisdiction’s various risks and vulnerabilities were examined to determine weaknesses and gaps in the current legislative and regulatory framework.FindingsThe findings highlight that despite numerous legislative efforts targeting economic crime, bringing economic criminals to justice has remained an issue in Dubai. Creation of the Dubai Economic Security Centre (DESC) may mark a significant change in that emirate’s approach to tackling this issue.Research limitations/implicationsThough the DESC itself is (as of this writing) still in a formative state, it is clearly intended to be a comprehensive response to expedite and streamline investigative processes and mitigate the multi-jurisdictional problems with which law enforcement has hitherto contended.Practical implicationsThe DESC is also intended to serve not only as an informational clearinghouse but also as an organisational entity with significant roles in law enforcement and even legislation.Social implicationsRegardless of its ambitious and promising results, the effectiveness of its organisational structure and performance is yet to be determined.Originality/valueThis research can be beneficial for the government officials in charge of establishment and launch of the DESC, as well as for future research as it points to its potential ambiguities and misinterpretations.


2020 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Thinles Chondol ◽  
Ashish Kumar Panda ◽  
Anil Kumar Gupta ◽  
Nirupama Agrawal ◽  
Amarjeet Kaur

Purpose This paper aims to gain insight on the perception and role of the local government officials on climate change and resilience in Uttarakhand, India. Uttarakhand, being a sensitive mountainous region in India, faces the brunt of frequent climate-related disasters and their severe impacts. Therefore, it is crucial to understand how authorities perceive the issue of climate-related disasters and their level of commitment toward mitigation and adaptation programs. Design/methodology/approach The literature review method was used for a holistic understanding of the impact of climate change and consequential disasters. A questionnaire survey method, comprising open- and closed-ended questions, was also used on officials of different departments. Findings Among the noteworthy findings of the study include the understanding of the perceptions of authorities and their role in decision-making on mitigating impacts of climate change-related disasters, their support or lack of it, for measures toward capacity building and spreading awareness of the intervention programs by the government. The study analyzes the perception of decision-making officials at state and district levels and infers that the variation on opinions may be attributable to multiple factors, including their past experiences of dealing with disasters. Originality/value This study offers insights into the role of perception of local government officials concerning climate change-related disasters and alleviation of their consequences through related programs. The findings have the unique potential to serve as a guide for the government at state and district levels to assess various aspects of different disaster mitigation measures based on sectors and departments.


2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Intan Farhana ◽  
Clare Markham ◽  
Hasan Basri

Purpose This paper aims to analyse the implementation of Islamic principles and values within the budgetary management of one of Indonesia’s local governments, that of Aceh provincial government. The authors investigate the extent of Islamic teachings in Aceh’s public budgeting to gain an understanding of the challenges in implementing such ideas in practice. Design/methodology/approach To investigate these issues, the authors used a qualitative interpretive approach in this study, gathering written materials related to the budgeting process and conducting 19 interviews with local government officials, politicians, scholars and a corruption watchdog. Data was manually coded and thematically analysed. Findings In this study, the authors find that the budgetary management problems Aceh provincial government faces (including poor resource allocation, budget delays and poor accountability and transparency) indicate unsatisfactory performance in incorporating Islamic principles and values into government. The authors argue that a key challenge to a more complete implementation is that the Acehnese’ perspectives of Sharī’ah and its enactment remain limited to particular aspects, such as criminal law, rituals and symbols, and are not extended to wider governance and budgetary practices. Practical implications The findings are likely to be of interest to policymakers and those who hold them to account, in a region/country where Islamic values and principles largely influence the government and social affairs. They indicate that a broader conception of Sharī’ah would facilitate a more thorough implementation of Islamic principles and values within public budgeting. Originality/value This study is one of a handful of studies exploring Islamic public budgeting, with its originality lying in the investigation of the challenges faced in implementing Islamic principles in government budgeting.


2022 ◽  
Vol 10 (1) ◽  
pp. 7-32
Author(s):  
Minal Karanwal

This paper is a humble attempt in analyzing the presumptions about loopholes in the paddy procurement chain, that were disclosed in several meetings and discussions with the District Marketing Officer and the Additional Collector of district Bhandara in Maharashtra. Paddy passes through several stages from a farm to the mill, under the MSP scheme of the Government. The major aim of the MSP was to extend a welfare hand to the farmers and to protect him from market fluctuations. However, in Bhandara, it was seen that the system of procurement under MSP, was twisted to benefit some major players. It is in resonance with Fred Rigg’s theory of prismatic societies where there are huge gaps between the policy that is envisaged and the policy that is implemented on ground. It was seen that the procurement centers do not comply with rules of grading and fair procurement, the documents submitted by the farmers are not duly attested by the Talathis, there was diversion of poor-quality paddy from nearby states and there also exists a grey market of PDS that undermines the MSP scheme. Attempt was to prove each claim through a set research methodology: aninterview, a survey, a case study or interpretation of primary and secondary data. All data was sourced from the local government officials and the images of some documents were sourced from visits to procurement centers and Talathi offices. Key findings have been shared and some systemic solutions suggested in the end because big bang reforms are not always an answer.


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