Government administrative capacity, e-government performance and citizen’s e-government adoption: evidence from a transition country

Abstract

Purpose The purpose of this study is to investigate the impact of government administrative capacity and e-government performance on the citizens’ intention to use e-government services by integrating into the technology acceptance model (TAM). In addition, the study investigates the mediating effect of perceived usefulness in these nexus. Design/methodology/approach A quantitative and cross-sectional approach is used to gather the data from 443 respondents in Vietnam. The squares structural equation modeling is used to access the impact of government administrative capacity and e-government performance on the citizens’ intention to use e-government, the mediating effect of perceived usefulness. Findings The results show that e-government performance, government administrative capacity and perceived usefulness are critical determinants of citizens’ intention. Furthermore, government administrative capacity positively impacts e-government performance. More importantly, perceived usefulness plays a mediating role in these relationships. The results also show that both age and qualification moderate the relationship between perceived usefulness and intention. Practical implications The findings of this study provide valuable evidence and implications. Public officials must enhance the administrative capacity as the determination for the application of e-government. They must demonstrate their commitment to implementing e-government initiatives. Moreover, the government should continually carry out policies to improve e-government performance. Originality/value This study uses the TAM by incorporating government administrative capacity and e-government performance. Evidence about the mechanism linking government administrative capacity and e-government performance to citizens' intention to use e-government is scant. With this stated, this study fills these gaps by pioneering exploring the mediating role of perceived usefulness in these relationships.