Exploring the Role of Participation in Government Employees' Adoption of IT

Abstract

Employee participation in IT projects is considered to be a critical IT adoption factor in the public sector. However, research into the impact of participation on government employee adoption of IT is very limited. Therefore, this study investigates the role of participation in government employee adoption of IT. A qualitative research study was carried out and project managers were interviewed. Additionally, employees who participated in the introduction of the e-file in Germany were also interviewed. The findings reveal that information and communication, training and support, and active participation in project groups, the formal participation of the staff council and the exchange of experiences between governmental agencies all have a potential positive impact on government employee adoption of IT. However, managers have key positions in this context. Furthermore, barriers to participation, such as the lack of resources as well as a lack of willingness and qualifications, are also discussed.