Impact of e-government on citizen engagement: the role of government reputation and digital divide

Abstract

Purpose

Citizen engagement (CE) in public policy is increasingly considered to be an important feature of governance worldwide. The aim of this study is to explore the impact of e-government usage (EGU) on citizens’ engagement. In addition, the study investigates the mediating effect of government reputation (GR) and the moderating role of digital divide (DD) in EGU and citizens' engagement relationship.

Design/methodology/approach

Data were collected from 938 respondents in Vietnam with a random method. This study used the partial least squares – structural equation modeling method to examine hypotheses.

Findings

The results show that e-government and GR are critical determinants of CE. Furthermore, GR plays a mediating role in the relationship between e-government and CE. The results also show how DD moderates this nexus.

Practical implications

The findings of this study provide valuable evidence and implications. Public officials must improve the GR and administrative capacity as the determination for the CE. Moreover, the government should continually carry out policies to reduce the DD.

Originality/value

By investigating the mediating and moderating effects of GR and DD, this study has significantly contributed to advancing the body knowledge of e-government.

Citation

Tran Pham, T.K. and Le Hoang Thuy To Nguyen, Q. (2024), "Impact of e-government on citizen engagement: the role of government reputation and digital divide", Journal of Information, Communication and Ethics in Society, Vol. 22 No. 4, pp. 419-433. https://doi.org/10.1108/JICES-08-2023-0109