An evaluative framework for analyzing e-government convergence capability in developing countries

Abstract

The e-government objectives of a country go well beyond providing constituents with government information and services by leveraging information and communication technology. Although it is a crucial step, the desired goal is that of convergence characterised by ubiquitous access to government information and services and total transparency of government functioning, a stage that contributes to the social and economic wellbeing of citizens. Some developed countries are already engaged in the transformation of the governance process through increased citizen participation and are attempting to create an open, transparent environment through convergence of information and services. However, developing economies, especially poor ones, lag far behind their more progressive counterparts. Based on prior literature, this study proposes an evaluative framework for analysing e-government convergence capability in developing countries and applies it to analyse the prospects of convergence in a few selected developing countries. The results indicate that the quality and range of government information and services vary significantly across the countries, attributed in some measure to the e-leadership capability of the countries. However, we argue that e-leadership may not be able to readily combat social maladies, such as low literacy and awareness education, required for the meaningful use of information and interaction, or economic handicaps, such as living standards that impact on the citizen's ability to procure web-based access; these factors are crucial for e-government convergence.