The e-government paradox in post-Soviet countries
International Journal of Public Sector Management
ISSN: 0951-3558
Article publication date: 26 April 2019
Issue publication date: 3 September 2019
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to investigate the emergence of e-government in post-Soviet countries using Kazakhstan as a case study. Extant research on e-government in developing countries highlights significant benefits including improved public services, reduced corruption, and more open and inclusive government. The paper asserts the presence of an e-government paradox which limits its potential to improve public services.
Design/methodology/approach
Primary data were collected from a number of sources: 6 focus groups with central government agencies, local authorities and civil society organisations; 25 structured and semi-structured interviews; and participant observation.
Findings
The research finds evidence of an e-government paradox in five forms: an emphasis on technological development; transactional services are faster but have displaced attention from core public services; petty corruption has been reduced but grand corruption remains; isomorphic mimicry; and greater participation by citizens has been limited.
Research limitations/implications
The focus of the research is Kazakhstan. Applying the lessons learned to other post-Soviet countries has limitations given their different stages of development since independence.
Practical implications
The key practical implication of this research is that countries can become absorbed by e-government technology without questioning the fundamental business model which underpins how public services are delivered. Ultimately, this impacts on the social value of e-government.
Originality/value
While existing research has examined how e-government has been implemented in developing countries, this paper focusses on Kazakhstan as an authoritarian state with wider implications for post-Soviet countries.
Keywords
Acknowledgements
The authors wish to acknowledge the support of the British Academy International Partnership and Mobility Grant PM150036 and the kind assistance of the Astana Civil Service Hub in organising the workshop with participants from post-Soviet countries.
Citation
Knox, C. and Janenova, S. (2019), "The e-government paradox in post-Soviet countries", International Journal of Public Sector Management, Vol. 32 No. 6, pp. 600-615. https://doi.org/10.1108/IJPSM-08-2018-0173
Publisher
:Emerald Publishing Limited
Copyright © 2019, Emerald Publishing Limited