Challenges and Prospects of e-Government implementation in Afghanistan

Abdul Mateen Samsor
{"title":"Challenges and Prospects of e-Government implementation in Afghanistan","authors":"Abdul Mateen Samsor","doi":"10.1108/itpd-01-2020-0001","DOIUrl":null,"url":null,"abstract":"PurposeThe aim of this study is to identify the challenges and barriers to e-Government set up in developing/conflict countries, related to Information Communication and Technology (ICT) and social obstacles – that are common in developing countries like Afghanistan. In today's world e-Government plays an important role of providing easy access to government services that enable citizens in general to communicate faster. This very research concentrates on the implementation of e-Government challenges in developing countries, particularly in Afghanistan. This paper is covering (1) method of study; (2) research strategy; (3) finding and policy recommendation; (4) limitation; (5) theoretical implication; (6) recommendation and conclusion. Additional data related to e-Government in Afghanistan, acquired via a quantitative survey and interviews can also help this analysis.Design/methodology/approachThis research incorporates both theoretical and empirical study; using both quantitative and qualitative method for data collection. Also, as already noted, the study reviews different literature and academic documents. The original work of the study is the collection of relevant first-hand information for empirical analysis from experts of both public and private institutions such as IT, CIO and management experts through the use of a survey tools. This was done using web-based surveying and delivery of hard and soft copies to the experts to obtain their notions about e-Government implementation obstacles. Finally, both quantitative and qualitative survey results are calculated and presented.FindingsEmpirical study has established that 5 obstacles out of 15 named by respondents, stakeholder involvement, with the highest mean, (4.1145), coordination (4.0038), information sharing (3.9962), ICT literacy (3.9822) and e-Government awareness (3.8830) are considered to be the major obstacles. This opinion was also expressed by the respondents to the in-depth interview which was explained in a paper with detail.Research limitations/implicationsMost research record numerous limitations, therefore, it is important to note that this study is no exception. Some of the limitations were recorded in the course of the study will be counted for the purpose of placing the finding in the right perspective. The limitations of this study were time constraints and difficult to generate enough participation in the survey. Because of that, I did a quantitative survey but could include very few members of top management. Second, the study is limited due to the lack of participation by respondents from various sectors such as citizens, university students, academia, banks, businesses and NGOs. The third limitation was lack of research materials for this study. Many difficulties were encountered with respect to find materials of previous research studies on the topic and in particularly in the context of Afghanistan.Practical implicationsThe studies conducted previously on e-Government and referenced herein highlighted implementation challenges in developing countries as a group. Applying this study in Afghanistan may contribute to our understanding of key challenges facing in implementing e-Government process specifically in Afghanistan. The current study contributes some significant findings to the academic field of studying e-Government implementation challenges. It adds the support and information from public and private sector's perspective regarding major challenges in e-Government implementation in Afghanistan.Social implicationsAs per looking to the experience of developed and developing countries, this study emphasizes the following key initiatives to be performed in parallel with the running projects by Ministry of communication and IT [18]. 1-Pilot projects, 2-Simplification of Business Processes, 3-A strong committed national leadership, 4-Involvement of Stakeholders, 6-To granting incentives for involvement of local ICT companies, 7-Exemption of basic ICT, 8-To develop a standard ICT infrastructureOriginality/valueGovernments around the world are under the pressure from rapid globalization, fiscal, social and technological changes to provide services that are citizen-centric, efficient, transparent, effective, one stop, any time and nonstop. Post-conflict countries are under even greater pressure to create such services because they replace the vacuum caused by the violence and will be the only services offered, rather than simply an upgrade of current government offerings that already meet citizen needs. The adoption of technology is the most efficient way to integrate the public and private sector and to provide services with accountability, transparency and efficiency, but this is not an easy task, especially for developing countries. This research looks at e-Government implementation challenges in developing countries and particularly in Afghanistan. A literature review shows many challenges common among developing countries: a lack of ICT literacy, incomplete infrastructure, a digital divide existing between the rural poor and the emerging urban middle class, an uncertainty about data privacy and data security, the absence of comprehensive ICT policies and legislation, lack of an ICT culture in government and the traditional components of the economy, questions regarding the government's ongoing financial commitment to the project, e-Government awareness, willingness of ministries to engage in information sharing, a void of ICT leadership outside the technologically oriented ministries, resistance to change, an historic lack of intergovernmental coordination and low stakeholder involvement are just some of the many challenges identified. The author belief that developing countries realize the importance of e-Government and consider the implementation of e-Government to be the critical tool for economic stability and growth as well as developing a more transparent, less corrupt government. The survey questionnaires were developed based on the challenges found in literature review. The survey questionnaire was translated into local languages (Pashto and Dari) and an English version served as control indicator by a professional local translator. At first a pilot version was sent to 10 officials from the Ministry of Communication and IT. After attesting period, the survey was circulated to 150 respondents who were experts in various fields such as CIO, Management and IT in Afghanistan. All respondents agreed that stakeholder involvement, coordination, information sharing, ICT literacy, awareness, resistance to change, ICT, finance issues, ICT policy, leadership, data privacy, legislation, ICT culture and digital divide are some of the major challenges for e-Government implementation in Afghanistan. Respondents (3.1412) on ICT security were impartial in their response on whether to include this indicator into challenges. Many projects are run by the Ministry of Communication and IT and within completion of these projects most of the challenges that identified in the analysis of the quantitative survey will be addressed, although the government is also vigorously pursuing legal and policy modifications. As per looking to the experience of developed and developing countries, this study emphasizes the following key initiatives to be performed in parallel with the running projects by Ministry of communication and IT [18]. Pilot projects should be implemented in two ministries as test beds prior to general roll out to ensure the efficient use of money needed for E-government projects. This will have two benefits from one side it will save money in terms of failing projects as argued by *19+ “E-government in developing countries fail, with 35% being classified as total failures (E-government was not implemented or was implemented but immediately abandoned), and 50% as partial failures (major goals were not attained and/or there were undesirable outcomes)”. 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引用次数: 20

Abstract

PurposeThe aim of this study is to identify the challenges and barriers to e-Government set up in developing/conflict countries, related to Information Communication and Technology (ICT) and social obstacles – that are common in developing countries like Afghanistan. In today's world e-Government plays an important role of providing easy access to government services that enable citizens in general to communicate faster. This very research concentrates on the implementation of e-Government challenges in developing countries, particularly in Afghanistan. This paper is covering (1) method of study; (2) research strategy; (3) finding and policy recommendation; (4) limitation; (5) theoretical implication; (6) recommendation and conclusion. Additional data related to e-Government in Afghanistan, acquired via a quantitative survey and interviews can also help this analysis.Design/methodology/approachThis research incorporates both theoretical and empirical study; using both quantitative and qualitative method for data collection. Also, as already noted, the study reviews different literature and academic documents. The original work of the study is the collection of relevant first-hand information for empirical analysis from experts of both public and private institutions such as IT, CIO and management experts through the use of a survey tools. This was done using web-based surveying and delivery of hard and soft copies to the experts to obtain their notions about e-Government implementation obstacles. Finally, both quantitative and qualitative survey results are calculated and presented.FindingsEmpirical study has established that 5 obstacles out of 15 named by respondents, stakeholder involvement, with the highest mean, (4.1145), coordination (4.0038), information sharing (3.9962), ICT literacy (3.9822) and e-Government awareness (3.8830) are considered to be the major obstacles. This opinion was also expressed by the respondents to the in-depth interview which was explained in a paper with detail.Research limitations/implicationsMost research record numerous limitations, therefore, it is important to note that this study is no exception. Some of the limitations were recorded in the course of the study will be counted for the purpose of placing the finding in the right perspective. The limitations of this study were time constraints and difficult to generate enough participation in the survey. Because of that, I did a quantitative survey but could include very few members of top management. Second, the study is limited due to the lack of participation by respondents from various sectors such as citizens, university students, academia, banks, businesses and NGOs. The third limitation was lack of research materials for this study. Many difficulties were encountered with respect to find materials of previous research studies on the topic and in particularly in the context of Afghanistan.Practical implicationsThe studies conducted previously on e-Government and referenced herein highlighted implementation challenges in developing countries as a group. Applying this study in Afghanistan may contribute to our understanding of key challenges facing in implementing e-Government process specifically in Afghanistan. The current study contributes some significant findings to the academic field of studying e-Government implementation challenges. It adds the support and information from public and private sector's perspective regarding major challenges in e-Government implementation in Afghanistan.Social implicationsAs per looking to the experience of developed and developing countries, this study emphasizes the following key initiatives to be performed in parallel with the running projects by Ministry of communication and IT [18]. 1-Pilot projects, 2-Simplification of Business Processes, 3-A strong committed national leadership, 4-Involvement of Stakeholders, 6-To granting incentives for involvement of local ICT companies, 7-Exemption of basic ICT, 8-To develop a standard ICT infrastructureOriginality/valueGovernments around the world are under the pressure from rapid globalization, fiscal, social and technological changes to provide services that are citizen-centric, efficient, transparent, effective, one stop, any time and nonstop. Post-conflict countries are under even greater pressure to create such services because they replace the vacuum caused by the violence and will be the only services offered, rather than simply an upgrade of current government offerings that already meet citizen needs. The adoption of technology is the most efficient way to integrate the public and private sector and to provide services with accountability, transparency and efficiency, but this is not an easy task, especially for developing countries. This research looks at e-Government implementation challenges in developing countries and particularly in Afghanistan. A literature review shows many challenges common among developing countries: a lack of ICT literacy, incomplete infrastructure, a digital divide existing between the rural poor and the emerging urban middle class, an uncertainty about data privacy and data security, the absence of comprehensive ICT policies and legislation, lack of an ICT culture in government and the traditional components of the economy, questions regarding the government's ongoing financial commitment to the project, e-Government awareness, willingness of ministries to engage in information sharing, a void of ICT leadership outside the technologically oriented ministries, resistance to change, an historic lack of intergovernmental coordination and low stakeholder involvement are just some of the many challenges identified. The author belief that developing countries realize the importance of e-Government and consider the implementation of e-Government to be the critical tool for economic stability and growth as well as developing a more transparent, less corrupt government. The survey questionnaires were developed based on the challenges found in literature review. The survey questionnaire was translated into local languages (Pashto and Dari) and an English version served as control indicator by a professional local translator. At first a pilot version was sent to 10 officials from the Ministry of Communication and IT. After attesting period, the survey was circulated to 150 respondents who were experts in various fields such as CIO, Management and IT in Afghanistan. All respondents agreed that stakeholder involvement, coordination, information sharing, ICT literacy, awareness, resistance to change, ICT, finance issues, ICT policy, leadership, data privacy, legislation, ICT culture and digital divide are some of the major challenges for e-Government implementation in Afghanistan. Respondents (3.1412) on ICT security were impartial in their response on whether to include this indicator into challenges. Many projects are run by the Ministry of Communication and IT and within completion of these projects most of the challenges that identified in the analysis of the quantitative survey will be addressed, although the government is also vigorously pursuing legal and policy modifications. As per looking to the experience of developed and developing countries, this study emphasizes the following key initiatives to be performed in parallel with the running projects by Ministry of communication and IT [18]. Pilot projects should be implemented in two ministries as test beds prior to general roll out to ensure the efficient use of money needed for E-government projects. This will have two benefits from one side it will save money in terms of failing projects as argued by *19+ “E-government in developing countries fail, with 35% being classified as total failures (E-government was not implemented or was implemented but immediately abandoned), and 50% as partial failures (major goals were not attained and/or there were undesirable outcomes)”. On the other hand, in case.
阿富汗实施电子政务的挑战与前景
本研究的目的是确定在发展中/冲突国家建立电子政务的挑战和障碍,与信息通信和技术(ICT)和社会障碍有关-这在阿富汗等发展中国家很常见。在当今世界,电子政务发挥着重要的作用,它提供了方便的政府服务,使普通公民能够更快地进行沟通。这项研究的重点是在发展中国家,特别是在阿富汗,实施电子政务所面临的挑战。本文主要包括:(1)研究方法;(2)研究策略;(3)调查结果和政策建议;(4)限制;(5)理论含义;(6)建议和结论。通过定量调查和访谈获得的与阿富汗电子政务有关的其他数据也有助于这一分析。本研究结合了理论研究和实证研究;采用定量和定性相结合的方法进行数据收集。此外,如前所述,本研究回顾了不同的文献和学术文件。本研究的原始工作是通过使用调查工具,从公共和私人机构的专家(如IT, CIO和管理专家)收集相关的第一手信息进行实证分析。这项工作是通过基于网络的调查和向专家提供硬副本和软副本来完成的,以了解他们对电子政府实施障碍的看法。最后,对定量和定性调查结果进行了计算和介绍。实证研究发现,在被调查者提出的15个障碍中,利益相关者参与(4.1145)、协调(4.0038)、信息共享(3.9962)、ICT素养(3.9822)和电子政务意识(3.8830)被认为是主要障碍。在深度访谈中,受访者也表达了这一观点,并在一篇论文中进行了详细的解释。研究局限性/启示大多数研究记录了许多局限性,因此,重要的是要注意本研究也不例外。在研究过程中记录的一些限制将被计算在内,以便从正确的角度看待研究结果。这项研究的局限性是时间限制和难以产生足够的参与调查。正因为如此,我做了一个定量调查,但可能只包括很少的高层管理人员。其次,由于缺乏来自公民,大学生,学术界,银行,企业和非政府组织等各个领域的受访者的参与,该研究受到限制。第三个限制是本研究缺乏研究资料。在寻找以前关于这个专题的研究材料方面,特别是在阿富汗的情况下,遇到了许多困难。实际意义以前对电子政务进行的研究和本文引用的研究强调了发展中国家作为一个整体的实施挑战。将此研究应用于阿富汗可能有助于我们理解在阿富汗实施电子政务过程中面临的主要挑战。本研究为研究电子政务实施挑战的学术领域贡献了一些重要的发现。它从公共和私营部门的角度增加了关于阿富汗实施电子政务的主要挑战的支持和信息。根据发达国家和发展中国家的经验,本研究强调通信部和信息技术部在运行项目的同时应采取以下关键举措。1 .试点项目,2 .简化业务流程,3 .强有力的国家领导,4 .利益相关者的参与,6 .为当地信息通信技术公司的参与提供激励,7 .基本信息通信技术的豁免,8 .发展标准的信息通信技术基础设施独创性/价值世界各国政府都面临着快速全球化、财政、社会和技术变革的压力,需要提供以公民为中心、高效、透明、有效的一站式服务。任何时间,不间断。冲突后的国家在提供此类服务方面面临更大的压力,因为它们将取代暴力造成的真空,并将成为提供的唯一服务,而不仅仅是对目前已经满足公民需求的政府服务进行升级。采用技术是整合公共和私营部门并以问责制、透明度和效率提供服务的最有效途径,但这不是一项容易的任务,特别是对发展中国家而言。本研究着眼于发展中国家,特别是阿富汗的电子政务实施挑战。 一项文献综述显示了发展中国家面临的许多共同挑战:缺乏信息和通信技术素养、基础设施不完善、农村贫困人口和新兴城市中产阶级之间存在数字鸿沟、数据隐私和数据安全的不确定性、缺乏全面的信息和通信技术政策和立法、政府和经济传统组成部分缺乏信息和通信技术文化、政府对项目的持续财政承诺、电子政务意识、部委参与信息共享的意愿等问题。在以技术为导向的部委之外,信息通信技术领导层的缺失、对变革的抵制、政府间协调的历史缺失以及利益攸关方参与度低,这些只是已确定的众多挑战中的一部分。作者认为,发展中国家认识到电子政务的重要性,并认为电子政务的实施是经济稳定和增长的关键工具,也是建立一个更透明、更少腐败的政府的关键工具。调查问卷是根据文献综述中发现的挑战而制定的。调查问卷被翻译成当地语言(普什图语和达里语),并由当地专业翻译人员提供英文版本作为控制指标。起初,试点版本发给了通信和信息技术部的10名官员。经过验证期后,将调查问卷分发给阿富汗CIO、管理和IT等各个领域的150名专家。所有受访者都认为,利益相关者的参与、协调、信息共享、ICT素养、意识、对变革的抵制、ICT、财务问题、ICT政策、领导力、数据隐私、立法、ICT文化和数字鸿沟是阿富汗实施电子政务面临的一些主要挑战。关于资讯及通讯科技安全的受访者(3.1412)在是否将该指标纳入挑战的问题上的回应是公正的。许多项目由通信和信息技术部管理,在完成这些项目后,定量调查分析中确定的大部分挑战将得到解决,尽管政府也在大力推行法律和政策修改。根据发达国家和发展中国家的经验,本研究强调通信部和信息技术部在运行项目的同时应采取以下关键举措。试点项目应在两个部委作为试验台实施,然后再全面推出,以确保电子政务项目所需资金的有效利用。这将有两个好处,一方面,它将节省失败项目的资金,如*19+所述,“发展中国家的电子政务失败,35%被归类为完全失败(电子政务没有实施或实施但立即放弃),50%为部分失败(主要目标没有实现和/或有不希望的结果)”。另一方面,以防万一。
本文章由计算机程序翻译,如有差异,请以英文原文为准。
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