Determinants of e-government implementation at the local level: an empirical model

Abstract

Purpose

The empirical research of e-government at the local level has been the subject of many studies in the last two decades. The evidence collected by those studies constitutes a relevant opportunity toward the development of a theory of local e-government implementation. However, several synthesis efforts are needed before such a theory can be developed. The purpose of this article is to contribute to that endeavor by proposing an empirical model of the determinants of e-government implementation by local governments.

Design/methodology/approach

The empirical model results from the systematic revision of 59 primary studies published in scientific journals, between 2002 and 2018. As a starting point, a conceptual map relating concepts such as readiness, diffusion, adoption, implementation and institutionalization is presented.

Findings

There is a common set of determinants that explains local e-government implementation in general, and three other sets of determinants that contribute to differentiate each one of three e-government dimensions: e-participation, e-transparency and e-services.

Research limitations/implications

Because it was found that different determinants are associated with different e-government dimensions, future empirical studies should differentiate between those dimensions when studying local government.

Originality/value

This is the first study to attempt a synthesis effort on the determinants of e-government implementation by local governments.

Citation

Dias, G.P. (2020), "Determinants of e-government implementation at the local level: an empirical model", Online Information Review, Vol. 44 No. 7, pp. 1307-1326. https://doi.org/10.1108/OIR-04-2020-0148