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1 – 10 of 13James Melitski, David J. Gavin and Joanne H. Gavin
Organizations implement information technology for a variety of reasons. Most often organizations look to information technology to automate existing processes in search of…
Abstract
Organizations implement information technology for a variety of reasons. Most often organizations look to information technology to automate existing processes in search of efficiency. We suggest that strategic management of technology allows for efficiency gains, but also holds the potential to create a healthier work environment. Organizational efficiency and effectiveness need not be mutually exclusive in the strategic management of information technology. Organizations can create a competitive advantage by using information technology to create a positive work environment while also automating existing processes. Our analysis begins with a discussion of positive psychology and strategic management. We discuss strategic uses of technology and present a framework for creating a positive work environment through the strategic use of technology. We conclude by developing areas for future research and present applicable strategies managers can use to increase organizational efficiency as well as empower and enhance the well-being of workers
James Melitski, Tony J. Carrizales, Aroon Manoharan and Marc Holzer
In 2010 a series of case studies were conducted in Prague, Czech Republic, examining the implementation and management of digital governance. These best practice case studies were…
Abstract
In 2010 a series of case studies were conducted in Prague, Czech Republic, examining the implementation and management of digital governance. These best practice case studies were chosen from among Prague's twenty-two administrative districts and through those findings this article discusses critical success factors and barriers to successful implementation of digital government initiatives. A qualitative review of both critical success factors and barriers is discussed at the individual, organizational, and strategic levels and the paper concludes by highlighting strategies managers can take to increase e-government performance. When considered together, the critical success factors, barriers to implementation, and key factors identified in the case studies further add to the growing literature of digital governance and performance management.
James Melitski, David Gavin and Joanne Gavin
Organization culture and technology adoption are two of the most critical issues facing organizations in a global society. Increasingly, organizations operate in uncertain…
Abstract
Organization culture and technology adoption are two of the most critical issues facing organizations in a global society. Increasingly, organizations operate in uncertain, networked, decentralized environments, where adoption and use of information technology has become central to fulfilling organizational missions. To examine the influence of organization culture on individual willingness to adopt technology, this work began by examining theories of behavioral intent, technology adoption, and organization culture and then proposed a model for examining technology adoption in public organizations. The research was based on the responses from an online survey of government, nonprofit, and social service workers from around the United States. The study found that there is a relationship between individual perception of organization culture and individual willingness to adopt technology. Finally, we addressed the limitations of the study design and propose future research.
Aroon Manoharan, James Melitski and Daniel Bromberg
The purpose of this paper is to examine US state strategic plans for e-government (or information technology), identify their strengths and weaknesses, and presents best practices…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to examine US state strategic plans for e-government (or information technology), identify their strengths and weaknesses, and presents best practices for both practitioners and scholars interested in improving state strategic plans for information technology.
Design/methodology/approach
The research analyzes the e-government strategic plans, based on a content analysis using a rubric consisting of 15 questions.
Findings
The findings suggest that of the state information system plans reviewed – Michigan, Virginia, and Massachusetts are the most comprehensive. Overall, the state plans were effective in developing strategies and core beliefs, and assessing their strengths and opportunities, while less successful in recognizing weakness and threats.
Research limitations/implications
This study builds on existing research examining strategic information systems plans in US states and assesses the extent to which each plan addresses established criteria for developing strategic plans. This study also attempts to fill the need for more data and empirical evidence in the development of literature in strategic planning and performance measurement.
Practical implications
The research employs a public sector approach to strategic planning, and while the process is not specific to information systems it is comprehensive in its approach, grounded in literature, and offers guidance to public sector leaders in planning for investments in information systems and technology.
Originality/value
The conclusion offers suggestions for both public administration practitioners and scholars interested in improving state strategic plans for information technology.
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Donald J. Calista and James Melitski
The purpose of this paper is to examine best practices of worldwide country web sites, evaluated in 2003, 2005 and 2008 by the United Nations (UN).
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to examine best practices of worldwide country web sites, evaluated in 2003, 2005 and 2008 by the United Nations (UN).
Design/methodology/approach
The paper employs statistical analysis to determine whether the electronic innovation (digitized government) exhibits linear (unitary) or curvilinear (S‐type) processes in relation to four theories of information technology (IT) and social change.
Findings
The findings are bifurcated between 2003 and 2008. In the aggregate (highest scores), worldwide countries are responding to the value‐added qualities of digitized government, defined as the transactions of e‐government and the interactions of e‐governance. Yet, the disaggregate (first adopter) best practices data reveal significant downward trends between those survey years, especially, among Organization for Economic Cooperation (OECD) countries. The findings indicate that neither electronic dimension predicts the other's course. They also suggest that dual curvilinear processes explain e‐government and e‐governance.
Research limitations/implications
It is customary to employ random samples to verify the integrity of significance tests. In this research, however, the study population is a given (all UN members). The study universe (the whole subset) – that represents countries with the largest number of electronic offerings – and the study sample (the best practices subset) are virtually the same. It is not possible to attribute any of the outcomes to a sampling error (miscalculation). Nor is it likely to confuse conflating (mistaking) sample size and effect size (relationship strength) of the distributions.
Originality/value
Longitudinal (over time) studies of country web site best practices are almost non‐existent. Support for a dual curvilinear relationship between e‐government (transactions) and e‐governance (interactions) opens the way for a fuller treatment of digitized government best practices. Questioning the premise that a sustained electronic (democratizing) transformation is underway, notably, among first adopters is a compelling and critical outcome.
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Citizens are substantial stakeholders in every e-government system, thus their willingness to use and ability to access the system are critical. Unequal access and information and…
Abstract
Citizens are substantial stakeholders in every e-government system, thus their willingness to use and ability to access the system are critical. Unequal access and information and communication technology usage, which is known as digital divide, however has been identified as one of the major obstacles to the implementation of e-government system. As digital divide inhibits citizen’s acceptance to e-government, it should be overcome despite the lack of deep theoretical understanding on this issue. This research aimed to investigate the digital divide and its direct impact on e-government system success of local governments in Indonesia as well as indirect impact through the mediation role of trust. In order to get a comprehensive understanding of digital divide, this study introduced a new type of digital divide, the innovativeness divide.
The research problems were approached by applying two-stage sequential mixed method research approach comprising of both qualitative and quantitative studies. In the first phase, an initial research model was proposed based on a literature review. Semi-structured interview with 12 users of e-government systems was then conducted to explore and enhance this initial research model. Data collected in this phase were analyzed with a two-stage content analysis approach and the initial model was then amended based on the findings. As a result, a comprehensive research model with 16 hypotheses was proposed for examination in the second phase.
In the second phase, quantitative method was applied. A questionnaire was developed based on findings in the first phase. A pilot study was conducted to refine the questionnaire, which was then distributed in a national survey resulting in 237 useable responses. Data collected in this phase were analyzed using Partial Least Square based Structural Equation Modeling.
The results of quantitative analysis confirmed 13 hypotheses. All direct influences of the variables of digital divide on e-government system success were supported. The mediating effects of trust in e-government in the relationship between capability divide and e-government system success as well as in the relationship between innovativeness divide and e-government system success were supported, but was rejected in the relationship between access divide and e-government system success. Furthermore, the results supported the moderating effects of demographic variables of age, residential place, and education.
This research has both theoretical and practical contributions. The study contributes to the developments of literature on digital divide and e-government by providing a more comprehensive framework, and also to the implementation of e-government by local governments and the improvement of e-government Readiness Index of Indonesia.
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Research on performance management, as it applies to public sector organizations, has been addressed most often from a static perspective. A process-oriented view on performance…
Abstract
Research on performance management, as it applies to public sector organizations, has been addressed most often from a static perspective. A process-oriented view on performance is undertaken through use of perceived obstacles, garnered through two large surveys of U.S. government managers, to infer the adaptive paths federal agencies have followed. By applying a learning-based model founded on March’s framework of exploration and exploitation, the ideal-typical ways that public organizations adapt to a performance initiative can be distinguished, opening a window into the processes such learning entails. Structural equation modeling provides the statistical capacity to interpret exploration and exploitation as cohesive paths. Exploratory adaptation appears to have been largely counterproductive, as the obstacles associated with this dynamic indicated a roadblock rather than a path forward. But exploitation had the opposite effect, as its associated obstacles corresponded with greater use of performance measures for management activities and enhanced results orientation.
Ailsa Kolsaker and Liz Lee‐Kelley
The purpose of this paper is to further understanding of citizens' attitudes towards electronic government (e‐government) and e‐governance.
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to further understanding of citizens' attitudes towards electronic government (e‐government) and e‐governance.
Design/methodology/approach
A quantitative study was conducted of 3,000 citizens of a relatively prosperous town in South‐East England. A 10 per cent response rate provided 302 completed questionnaires; 216 users of e‐government portals and 86 non‐users.
Findings
Findings indicate that whilst interest in e‐government is generally low overall, users appreciate personalisation, user‐friendliness and the ability to communicate. Users and non‐users perceive moderate value in e‐government for knowledge acquisition and communication, but little as a vehicle of democratic engagement. Those using e‐government frequently are more positive than other groups.
Research limitations/implications
The relatively low‐response rate (though not unusual for quantitative methods) suggests a general lack of interest; however users of e‐government are appreciative of a few, key benefits. In relation to enhancing participation, the findings suggest that Government ambitions far outstrip those of its citizens. To improve usage, the authors propose that non‐users need to be tempted online in a secure environment, that users should be provided with personalised pages in line with their expectations, that elected members should be encouraged to view with web as a means of reaching out to voters and that citizens should be educated in exploiting the potentially valuable online tools to enhance participation. The study is limited by the exclusive use of quantitative methods; the outcomes suggest that further, qualitative, research could be valuable in exploring user needs, motivations, competence, and level of political engagement.
Originality/value
The paper adds insight into citizens' attitudes towards e‐government and e‐governance.
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Abhishek Behl, Meena Chavan, Kokil Jain, Isha Sharma, Vijay Edward Pereira and Justin Zuopeng Zhang
The study explores the readiness of government agencies to adopt artificial intelligence (AI) to improve the efficiency of disaster relief operations (DRO). For understanding the…
Abstract
Purpose
The study explores the readiness of government agencies to adopt artificial intelligence (AI) to improve the efficiency of disaster relief operations (DRO). For understanding the behavior of state-level and national-level government agencies involved in DRO, this study grounds its theoretical arguments on the civic voluntarism model (CVM) and the unified theory of acceptance and use of technology (UTAUT).
Design/methodology/approach
We collected the primary data for this study from government agencies involved in DRO in India. To test the proposed theoretical model, we administered an online survey questionnaire to 184 government agency employees. To test the hypotheses, we employed partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM).
Findings
Our findings confirm that resources (time, money and skills) significantly influence the behavioral intentions related to the adoption of AI tools for DRO. Additionally, we identified that the behavioral intentions positively translate into the actual adoption of AI tools.
Research limitations/implications
Our study provides a unique viewpoint suited to understand the context of the adoption of AI in a governmental context. Companies often strive to invest in state-of-the-art technologies, but it is important to understand how government bodies involved in DRO strategize to adopt AI to improve efficiency.
Originality/value
Our study offers a fresh perspective in understanding how the organizational culture and perspectives of government officials influence their inclinations to adopt AI for DRO. Additionally, it offers a multidimensional perspective by integrating the theoretical frameworks of CVM and UTAUT for a greater understanding of the adoption and deployment of AI tools with organizational culture and voluntariness as critical moderators.
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