Search results
1 – 10 of 826Lihong Zhou, Longqi Chen and Yingying Han
The provision of high-quality e-Government services requires efficient and collaborative sharing of data across varied types of government agencies. However, interagency government…
Abstract
Purpose
The provision of high-quality e-Government services requires efficient and collaborative sharing of data across varied types of government agencies. However, interagency government data sharing (IDS) is not always spontaneous, active and unconditional. Adopting a stickiness theory, this paper reports on a research study, which explores the causes of data stickiness in IDS.
Design/methodology/approach
This study employed an inductive case study approach. Twenty-three officials from the government of City M in Hubei Province, Central China, were approached and interviewed using a semi-structured question script.
Findings
The analysis of the interview data pointed to 27 causes of data stickiness in five main themes: data sharing willingness; data sharing ability; data articulatability; data residence; and data absorptive capacity. The analysis revealed that interagency tensions and lack of preparedness of individual agencies are the main causes of data stickiness in IDS.
Originality/value
The case setting is based on China's Government, but the findings offer useful insights and indications that can be shared across international borders.
Details
Keywords
Artificial intelligence (AI) reasoning is fuelled by high-quality, detailed behavioural data. These can usually be obtained by the biometrical sensors embedded in smart devices…
Abstract
Purpose
Artificial intelligence (AI) reasoning is fuelled by high-quality, detailed behavioural data. These can usually be obtained by the biometrical sensors embedded in smart devices. The currently used data collecting approach, where data ownership and property rights are taken by the data scientists, designers of a device or a related application, delivers multiple ethical, sociological and governance concerns. In this paper, the author is opening a systemic examination of a data sharing concept in which data producers execute their data property rights.
Design/methodology/approach
Since data sharing concept delivers a substantially different alternative, it needs to be thoroughly examined from multiple perspectives, among them: the ethical, social and feasibility. At this stage, theoretical examination modes in the form of literature analysis and mental model development are being performed.
Findings
Data sharing concepts, framework, mechanisms and swift viability are examined. The author determined that data sharing could lead to virtuous data science by augmenting data producers' capacity to govern their data and regulators' capacity to interact in the process. Truly interdisciplinary research is proposed to follow up on this research.
Research limitations/implications
Since the research proposal is theoretical, the proposal may not provide direct applicative value but is largely focussed on fuelling the research directions.
Practical implications
For the researchers, data sharing concepts will provide an alternative approach and help resolve multiple ethical considerations related to the internet of things (IoT) data collecting approach. For the practitioners in data science, it will provide numerous new challenges, such as distributed data storing, distributed data analysis and intelligent data sharing protocols.
Social implications
Data sharing may post significant implications in research and development. Since ethical, legislative moral and trust-related issues are managed in the negotiation process, data can be shared freely, which in a practical sense expands the data pool for virtuous research in social sciences.
Originality/value
The paper opens new research directions of data sharing concepts and space for a new field of research.
Details
Keywords
Di Wang, Deborah Richards, Ayse Aysin Bilgin and Chuanfu Chen
The rising volume of open government data (OGD) contrasts with the limited acceptance and utilization of OGD among citizens. This study investigates the reasons for citizens’ not…
Abstract
Purpose
The rising volume of open government data (OGD) contrasts with the limited acceptance and utilization of OGD among citizens. This study investigates the reasons for citizens’ not using available OGD by comparing citizens’ attitudes towards OGD with the development of OGD portals. The comparison includes four OGD utilization processes derived from the literature, namely OGD awareness, needs, access and consumption.
Design/methodology/approach
A case study in China has been carried out. A sociological questionnaire was designed to collect data from Chinese citizens (demand), and personal visits were carried out to collect data from OGD portals (supply).
Findings
Results show that Chinese citizens have low awareness of OGD and OGD portals. Significant differences were recognized between citizens’ expectations and OGD portals development in OGD categories and features, data access services and support functions. Correlations were found between citizens’ OGD awareness, needs, access and consumption.
Originality/value
By linking the supply of OGD from the governments with each process of citizens’ OGD utilization, this paper proposes a framework for citizens’ OGD utilization lifecycle and provides a new tool to investigate reasons for citizens’ not making use of OGD.
Details
Keywords
The purpose of this paper is to forward specific policy proposals permitting greater sharing of health data across multi-level government agencies with the purpose of improving…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to forward specific policy proposals permitting greater sharing of health data across multi-level government agencies with the purpose of improving rapid identification of bioterrorist attack or disease epidemics while protecting patient privacy.
Design/methodology/approach
A systematic literature review searched the following keyword phrases: knowledge sharing in the public sector, raw data sharing, interagency information systems, federal data sharing technology network and network theory on five primary databases.
Findings
The volunteer nature of data sharing must evolve through public health policy to permit interagency data access agreements while minimizing privacy infringement. A multi-level information infrastructure network linking agencies tasked to develop medical countermeasures is recommended.
Originality/value
This study optimizes the health data collection process to create a medical countermeasure network, demonstrates the utility of operationalizing data metrics for a US federal agency and advances meaningful use of electronic medical records.
Details
Keywords
Djoko Sigit Sayogo, Sri Budi Cantika Yuli and Wiyono Wiyono
The purpose of this paper is to explore the challenges and critical factors of interagency information sharing (IIS) from the perspectives of technology, organization, policy and…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to explore the challenges and critical factors of interagency information sharing (IIS) from the perspectives of technology, organization, policy and public participation in a developing country.
Design/methodology/approach
This study conducted a case study encompassing documentation analysis and in-depth semi-structured interviews of 15 public managers and other public officials in the Regency of Bojonegoro, Indonesia.
Findings
The findings demonstrate that addressing factors residing in organizational and policy and regulations challenges are critical and should precede the needs of technology. The findings also identified three factors affecting IIS in a developing country. First, the embeddedness of agencies in rigid bureaucratic and autocratic structure complicates the collaboration in IIS, such as promoting jurisdiction conflicts. Second, this study identifies the crucial influence of top executives on every activity in IIS, including resolving conflicts. Finally, political instability augments the crucial function of creating public awareness and participation. Public awareness and participation become more critical because public support carries political precedent that eventually affects the continuity of ICTs initiatives.
Research limitations/implications
Owing to the chosen research approach, the research results may lack generalizability beyond Indonesia. Furthermore, this research design did not specify the interviewees to rank and prioritize the challenges and critical factors, nor that the authors ask for the strategy to alleviate the challenges.
Practical implications
The challenges of data management engender practical implication in which public managers should focus more on communicating and socializing, as well as providing training on the importance of data and the new technology not only early in the phase of the project but also during the implementation. Furthermore, in the effort to ensure the continuity of the project, public managers could continuously nurture public participation and spark public interest through the use of social media.
Originality/value
Many studies on the challenges of implementing IIS focusing in developed countries might overlook the possible distinctive challenges affecting the adoption of IIS by the government in developing countries. This study identified several unique contexts and critical situational factors affecting interagency information sharing pertinent to a developing country.
Details
Keywords
This paper aims to shed light on the complex multiplicity of domestic violence interagency work. It proposes a new conceptualisation that reflects the entangled nature of…
Abstract
Purpose
This paper aims to shed light on the complex multiplicity of domestic violence interagency work. It proposes a new conceptualisation that reflects the entangled nature of professional practice and learning.
Design/methodology/approach
The research on which this paper draws is an ethnographic study of practice in an integrated local domestic violence initiative. Data include focussed workplace observations, semi-structured interviews and key documents. The study draws on practice-based sociomaterial approaches and the conceptual framework, and methodology is informed by actor-network theory, in particular, the work of Annemarie Mol.
Findings
Findings suggest that interagency work that starts from the victim and traces threads of connection outwards is able to “hang together” as “practice multiple” in integrated service provision. I argue that the learning that happens in these circumstances is a relational effect and depends on who and what is assembled in the actor-network.
Research limitations/implications
The research has significant implications for framing understandings of domestic violence interagency work, as it firmly anchors “working together” to victims. Findings are expected to be of interest not only to practitioners, educators and researchers but also to policymakers.
Originality/value
The paper addresses a current gap in the literature, applies a novel research approach and proposes a new conceptualisation of domestic violence interagency work.
Details
Keywords
Marco De Sisto and John Handmer
The purpose of this study is to identify strengths and weaknesses in knowledge sharing between related post-bushfire investigative agencies. Based on this study, such a sharing of…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this study is to identify strengths and weaknesses in knowledge sharing between related post-bushfire investigative agencies. Based on this study, such a sharing of knowledge is essential to enhance collaboration amongst practitioners in the reduction and management of the risk of bushfires.
Design/methodology/approach
The authors use a case study methodology; the research design is based on comparative analysis of six post-bushfire investigative departments in Italy and Australia (Victoria). A total of 44 bushfire investigators were interviewed between 2012 and 2013, across the two countries. Using focus groups and face-to-face interviews, the extent and quality of intra- and interagency knowledge sharing is analysed.
Findings
Despite the desire to collaborate, there are three main conditions that prevent an effective interagency collaboration within the bushfire investigation network, namely, separation, unidirectionality and interpersonal disengagement. This study finds that knowledge sharing suffers from a missing “feedback system” culture, where agencies give each other feedback with strictly bureaucratic purposes, rather than create an ongoing learning mechanism that develops after every investigation. At agency level, we also find that, sharing investigative knowledge and experience through daily and planned meetings is a standard practice to police members; but this is not found in the fire agencies. When made cross-country comparisons between Australia and Italy, the existence of common courses, joint manuals and the sharing of human resources witnessed in Australia (Victoria) is something that would benefit Italian agencies still trapped in a competitive and jurisdictional mindset. At the same time, Australian agencies might want to reconsider the separation between bushfire suppression and investigation, a distinction that has been made clear in Italy through the creation of full-time bushfire investigator positions.
Practical implications
This paper contributes to the improvement of interagency collaboration through the development of an investigative “social knowledge”. It reinforces the assumption that, to reduce and effectively manage the risk of bushfires, a combined effort from different stakeholders involved in forensic investigation is necessary.
Originality/value
Given the lack of research undertaken in the area of bushfire investigation, the current paper represents a unique piece of work. It is unusual, not only in identifying the current issues within the bushfire investigation network but also in providing agencies with theoretical and practical insights on how to reduce the extremely high number of bushfires and their risks.
Details
Keywords
Christine B. Williams and Jane Fedorowicz
The purpose of this paper is to focus on Public Safety Networks (PSNs) created and used in the USA at the state level. Empirical analysis describes the formation and use of extant…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to focus on Public Safety Networks (PSNs) created and used in the USA at the state level. Empirical analysis describes the formation and use of extant state‐level PSNs, based upon factors representing rational choice and institutional theories.
Design/methodology/approach
Contextual data representing 160 different characteristics and descriptors of state‐level attributes produces two factors that evidence an underlying structure consistent with rational choice and institutional theories. Using these factors as predictors, the authors employ multiple regression analysis to explain differences in size and maturity among state public‐safety collaborations. The size and maturity indicators come from extensive survey data collected in phone interviews with senior personnel at 80 PSNs.
Findings
Consistent with rational choice theory, higher needs and resources predict larger PSN size. Contrary to expectations, institutionalization rather than a culture of innovation is associated with PSN maturity, and suggests that maturity brings positive benefits, such as more experience, better operational routines and increased organizational competence.
Research limitations/implications
This study moves beyond the usual case study approach to empirically investigate theoretical explanations for state‐level collaboration characteristics.
Originality/value
The authors' research investigates the social and environmental backdrop against which PSNs are implemented, to improve understanding of the state‐specific settings in which PSNs currently reside and develop. Given the financial and human resources involved in PSN creation and implementation, their initiators would benefit from a better understanding of governmental settings linked to PSN success. Identification of potential success or risk factors advances understanding of the underlying dynamics of interagency collaboration efforts.
Details
Keywords
Julie Schnobrich‐Davis and William Terrill
The purpose of this paper is to examine an interagency collaboration (The Metropolitan Law Enforcement Council – Metro‐LEC), consisting of 42 law enforcement agencies that provide…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to examine an interagency collaboration (The Metropolitan Law Enforcement Council – Metro‐LEC), consisting of 42 law enforcement agencies that provide mutual aid and assistance to member agencies in times of need.
Design/methodology/approach
In total, four sources of data (personnel interviews, written survey, organizational documents and participant observation) were used as part of a case study method, to assess the administrative and operational functioning of the Metro‐LEC.
Findings
In sum, the findings conclude that the organization is meeting the needs of the member agencies, with few unmanageable impediments.
Research limitations/implications
Since the current study relies on a case study from a single collaborative agency, the findings come with caution, in terms of generalizability.
Originality/value
This psprt contributes to the literature on police interagency collaboration and is the first known study on a Law Enforcement Council (LEC).
Details
Keywords
The concept of collaboration has received increased attention from scholars in public management, as it has been seen as a viable solution to address “wicked” problems. Solving…
Abstract
Purpose
The concept of collaboration has received increased attention from scholars in public management, as it has been seen as a viable solution to address “wicked” problems. Solving such problems may require a horizontal collaboration within the same governmental jurisdiction or, vertically, between different levels of government. Despite broad interest from the field of public management, the dynamics of public interinstitutional collaboration have received little attention within the literature. This paper aims to provide a systematic overview of the most significant academic contributions on the topic, highlighting the features of this collaborative context and identifying determinants those can foster its performance.
Design/methodology/approach
In total, two main literature streams have occasionally dealt with public interinstitutional collaboration and related performance management: the “collaborative governance” stream and “public network performance”. Through a systematic literature review (SLR), this paper answers the following research question: what has been done and what is missing in order to assess performance in the context of public interinstitutional collaboration?
Findings
The findings of this study suggest that the most relevant papers are those dealing with public interagency collaboration, as this form of collaboration presents several similarities with public interinstitutional circumstances. Furthermore, the authors provide an analysis of the main determinants of public interinstitutional performance, which highlight the effects of trust, power sharing, leadership style, management strategies and formalization on the achievement of efficient and effective collaboration between public entities.
Originality/value
By drawing on two autonomous literature streams, this paper describes the main features of public interinstitutional collaboration. It contributes to the field by offering a systematic overview of how specific performance determinants, which are widely recognized as relevant for collaboration in general, work in the specificity of public–public contexts.
Details