As social media technologies permeate public life, the current forms of collaboration between government and non-government stakeholders are changing. The purpose of this paper is…
Abstract
Purpose
As social media technologies permeate public life, the current forms of collaboration between government and non-government stakeholders are changing. The purpose of this paper is to investigate how social media use reconfigures the organizing practices around such collaboration. A case study of a collaborative e-government project showcases how emergent organizing practices through external social media differ from existing ones along the dimensions of time, task, team and transition.
Design/methodology/approach
This paper presents a case study of a collaborative e-government project on open data, organized by Shanghai Municipality, local businesses, universities and non-governmental organizations, using an external social media platform, WeChat. Adopting the theoretical lens of temporary organization, the paper identifies the key aspects of change emerged in the organizing practices of this collaboration.
Findings
The findings outline how the use of external social media reconfigures the collaboration between government and non-government stakeholders along the four dimensions of time, task, team and transition. The new form of collaboration is reconfigured along the lines of (1) an ad hoc and non-linear management of time; (2) discursive task creation, assignment and engagement among stakeholders; (3) a serendipitous engagement of team members based on expertise; and (4) a shift in formal and informal organizing practices.
Originality/value
This paper provides insights on the use of external social media for collaboration in e-government research and develops the concept of temporary organization in a sociomaterial setting. It also provides practical suggestions on how to manage new forms of public projects leveraging on the capacity of external social media.
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Hanne Sørum, Rony Medaglia, Kim Normann Andersen, Murray Scott and William DeLone
The purpose of this paper is to explore the relationships between constructs of information system (IS) success in the public sector, as perceived by webmaster intermediaries, and…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to explore the relationships between constructs of information system (IS) success in the public sector, as perceived by webmaster intermediaries, and investigate how user testing affects these relationships.
Design/methodology/approach
Online surveys were conducted, using questionnaires, with webmasters in Denmark and Norway who participated in the public sector web award contests organized by the government (n=1,237, n=541; response rate 44 per cent).
Findings
It was found that the frequency with which webmasters carry out user testing affects their perceptions of IS success, with those who conduct no user testing displaying the weakest associations among success variables. Findings also suggest that webmasters who do little or no user testing conveniently assume that citizen users are satisfied, while webmasters who are more knowledgeable of the user experience have a greater perception of levels of success.
Practical implications
The fact that the majority of webmasters do not perform any type of user testing triggers a reflection on the need for such important intermediaries to enhance their feedback channels. User involvement in assessing IS success cannot be overlooked, especially considering that user empowerment in the design, implementation, and evaluation of information systems matches a window of opportunity originating in the ongoing growth of web interactivity.
Originality/value
The paper is one of the few that investigates constructs of IS success in the public sector, and arguably the first one that focuses on the impacts of user testing on the relationships between constructs of IS success in a public setting.
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Kim Viborg Andersen, Helle Zinner Henriksen, Christine Secher and Rony Medaglia
This paper aims to discuss the cost of e‐participation from the managerial perspective.
Abstract
Purpose
This paper aims to discuss the cost of e‐participation from the managerial perspective.
Design/methodology/approach
The use of digital media to consult and engage citizens and companies in the decision‐making process is a way of improving the design and legitimatization of decisions, as well as potentially increasing the likelihood of successful implementation of policies. This paper discusses if the potential economic benefits from increased or qualitatively improved involvement inherently are long term and have to compete with other activities undertaken by government.
Findings
There are great uncertainties regarding the magnitude of the positive effects on governance since there are not only positive, but also negative externalities of e‐participation; thus, there are major challenges in measuring and capitalizing on the e‐participation. Part of the reason for the uncertainty is the lack of explicit awareness of the choice of technology, communication style and institutional approach to implementing e‐participation. Further, there is the need to be aware of the administrative costs in transferring e‐participation practices and techniques.
Originality/value
The perspective on cost of e‐participation is not well explored. The discussion raised emphasizes the urgency of the issue.
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Stephanie Bilderback and Mohammad Movahed
This study investigates healthcare administration students’ perspectives on integrating artificial intelligence (AI) in fluid healthcare work environments, focusing on its…
Abstract
Purpose
This study investigates healthcare administration students’ perspectives on integrating artificial intelligence (AI) in fluid healthcare work environments, focusing on its potential impact on future healthcare practices.
Design/methodology/approach
The research utilizes a mixed-methods strategy, combining quantitative surveys and qualitative interviews to collect data from healthcare administration students at a mid-sized urban university. This comprehensive approach allows for an in-depth analysis of students’ understanding of, attitudes toward and expectations of AI in healthcare settings.
Findings
Results reveal that students have a nuanced understanding of AI’s capabilities to enhance healthcare operations and patient care, showcasing readiness to adopt these technologies. Nonetheless, there are significant concerns about job security and the depersonalization of care with the integration of AI. The study highlights the critical need for healthcare curricula to evolve to incorporate AI training that equips future professionals to use these technologies in increasingly flexible work settings.
Originality/value
This research offers new perspectives on how future healthcare professionals view AI integration within evolving work arrangements. It emphasized the need for educational institutions to update and adapt educational frameworks to prepare a workforce that can effectively navigate the challenges and opportunities presented by AI in the healthcare sector. This is particularly relevant in fluid work dynamics, where adaptability and responsiveness are key.