Are government employees adopting local e-government transformation?

Abstract

Purpose This study aims to examine the association of technology acceptance variables with the intention of adopting e-government transformation, as defined by four dimensions, namely, using new technology systems, redesigning of governmental processes, restructuring of governmental organization and changing the organizational culture and behavior, from the perspective of city government employees in Indonesia and the Philippines. Design/methodology/approach Quantitative approach was used in the conduct of this research. Variables were operationalized into indicators, which were transmuted into a self-reported survey questionnaire. Survey data obtained from purposively sampled city government employees were analyzed using structural equation modeling. Findings Findings suggest that attitude is a pivotal predictor of intention to adopt e-government transformation across all four dimensions, while performance expectancy, social influence and facilitating conditions also positively influence the intention to adopt process redesign, organizational structuring and cultural and behavioral change in the city government. Respondents’ length of work experience appears as a significant moderating variable. Research limitations/implications This study reports only on the findings from two cities in two countries, Surabaya in Indonesia and Davao in the Philippines. The determination of the sample size was done through purposive sampling, so the application of results should be done with prudence. The constructs used for the research model were chosen because of their prominence in the literature. This study made use of a simple linear regression model in hypothesizing the relationships of the constructs. Practical implications For e-government transformation to be adoptable and efficacious, supporting and facilitating conditions are necessary. Structural, technical and financial support, as well as legal framework, for local e-government transformation should be in place. Maintaining and sustaining the positive attitude toward it should be done. Originality/value Although many studies have been conducted on adoption of ICT-enabled government services from the citizens’ viewpoint, little has been done from the local government employees’ perspective, and no prior cross-country study has been made. This study fills those gaps in the e-government adoption literature. Further, this study has shown that technology acceptance variables’ roles as predictors of behavioral intention can be extended to other dimensions of e-government.