Corruption in Nigeria is a wicked issue that is threatening the performance of governance. However, the potentials of digital transformation in governance have proven to resolve…
Abstract
Purpose
Corruption in Nigeria is a wicked issue that is threatening the performance of governance. However, the potentials of digital transformation in governance have proven to resolve similar issues in many countries. This study seeks to understand the reasons why the digital transformation of governance in Nigeria is not ending corruption and the lack of accountability and transparency but is creating new opportunities of corruption. This is because Nigeria continues to decline in its ranking in the corruption perception index – yearly. The pupose of this study is to identify the various factors responsible for this and proffers adequate solutions.
Design/methodology/approach
Within this study, the direct observatory methodology was used. This is a form of unstructured observation, whereby the complexity and context of a behavior or interaction are examined. Two government organizations that have integrated digitalization into their processes and services were investigated; these are the Federal High Court and the Nigeria Immigration Service all based in Abuja, Nigeria.
Findings
The primary factors responsible for the poor performance of the digital transformation of governance within the two organizations studied – include the adoption of a semi-automated system for the digital transformation of public governance, lack of a proper audit system (internal and external), inherent culture of corruption, in-addition to the individual and organization value systems that supports corruption, lack of adequate laws, policies and regulation to prevent, manage and punish corruption and the lack of publicity on the transformation of governance within these organizations, the poor usage of the system and inadequate digital public infrastructure.
Research limitations/implications
This research focused on investigating two public organizations, while there are several public organizations. The results of this study may or may not apply to other organizations, but it is impossible to know at this time. This is because of the nature of this study. This represents a limitation of this research. It is possible that few public organizations within the public sector are getting the benefits of digitalization and lessons can be derived from them to improve those that are not. On the other hand, the results obtained in this study may not apply to the private sector. This needs to be examined in future studies. Hence, future studies that should investigate the impact of digital transformation of governance in both the private and public sectors – using a mixed approach are encouraged.
Originality/value
This study posits itself as one of the earliest studies to deploy the direct observatory methodology in understanding digital transformation of governance in Nigeria. Within this study, clear loopholes were identified with verifiable empirical evidences. Unlike previous studies that reviewed literatures and used surveys, this study used an un-biased and real-life approach to gather evidence. This study bridged the gap between theory and practice of how digital transformation in governance works in Nigeria.
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Temitayo Shenkoya and Cho Dae-Woo
Recently, the discussion on the impact of the Internet of Things (IoT) in theory and in practice is increasing. While some proponent envisage that the IoT will bring about…
Abstract
Purpose
Recently, the discussion on the impact of the Internet of Things (IoT) in theory and in practice is increasing. While some proponent envisage that the IoT will bring about positive radical change in the modern society, others argue that the IoT will introduce more disadvantages in the long run (mainly in terms of job losses) than advantages. The purpose of this paper is to arbitrate this controversy by examining the impact of IoT on the Japanese society.
Design/methodology/approach
While previous studies have largely been qualitative in nature, in this study, a quantitative approach was used. A multi-dimensional analysis was carried out and the statistical method known as the one-way analysis of variance was used to process the data obtained during this study.
Findings
The results show that indeed the IoT has a positive impact on the daily lives of the Japanese people, however the change it brings are mainly incremental change and not radical. Furthermore, rather than reducing job opportunities, it has created more opportunities and simplified operation processes.
Research limitations/implications
However, a limitation of this study is in its narrow scope. It is important to note that further studies on an international level or perhaps multi-national level is needed. Furthermore, there may be other underlining factors, such as culture, social, economic, geographical location, technology capacity, that may contribute to the impact of the IoT on daily life. Therefore, future research needs to verify if indeed this is the case.
Originality/value
This research successful arbitrates the argument about the impact of the IoT on the society by specifically showing that the advantages brought by the IoT out-ways its disadvantages. Furthermore, the uncertainty (fear of job losses) expressed by some experts was addressed in this study. The results obtained showed that the diffusion of the IoT has no correlation with job loss but rather supports improved working environment and creation of jobs.
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Corruption within the Nigerian Government – at all levels – is endemic and a major problem. While there is ample evidence to buttress this fact, its effects are having a negative…
Abstract
Purpose
Corruption within the Nigerian Government – at all levels – is endemic and a major problem. While there is ample evidence to buttress this fact, its effects are having a negative impact on the ability of the government to meet its agreed UN sustainable development targets, as well as the credibility of the government (nationally and internationally), and its ability to deliver on quality governance. Hence, this study aims to identify the power of digital transformation in curbing corruption and improving governance for sustainable development.
Design/methodology/approach
A mixed method that encompasses the use of a systematic literature review and a bibliometric analysis was used to examine extant literatures – to derive lessons for the Nigerian Government and governments in other developing countries (most especially those in Sub-Saharan Africa).
Findings
The results obtained within this study show that digital transformation – brought by the fourth industrial revolution – is a verified solution to improving transparency and accountability in governance. However, the current technological infrastructure in Nigeria is too weak to support this innovation. Key infrastructures like high-speed internet, a harmonized data storage system, and communications among government organizations rarely exist.
Originality/value
To the best of the authors’ knowledge, the approach used in this research is unique as it is one of the earliest studies to provide a viable solution to the issue of corruption in public governance in Nigeria, while examining the effects of the digital transformation of governance globally.