An investigation of the public value of e-government in Sri Lanka

This research aims to investigate the public value of e-government in Sri Lanka. Specifically it aims to (a) identify the critical factors for evaluating the public value of e-government, (b) develop a framework for evaluating the public value of e-government, and (c) provide Sri Lanka government with some appropriate recommendations for improving the performance of e-government. To fulfill these aims of the research, a mixed-methods methodology is adopted. A theoretical framework is developed by hypothesising the critical factors for evaluating the public value of e-government. With the use of survey data collected in Sri Lanka, the theoretical framework is tested and validated using structural equation modelling. To further validate the research findings from the quantitative analysis, thematic analysis is carried out on the interview data collected simultaneously. The quantitative findings and the qualitative findings are triangulated for better investigating the public value of e-government in Sri Lanka.<br><br>The study reveals that the quality of information, functionalities of electronic services, information and services provided over e-enable front-office counters, user orientation of public information and services, organisational efficiency, openness, and responsiveness, equity, self-development, trust, confidentiality, and environmental sustainability are critical for evaluating the public value of e-government in Sri Lanka. Based on the critical factors identified, a new framework for evaluating the public value of e-government in Sri Lanka is developed. The new framework consists of three main dimensions including (a) delivery of quality public services, (b) effectiveness of public organisations, and (c) achievement of socially desirable outcomes. Using the proposed framework, the current status of the e-government development in Sri Lanka is assessed. This leads to the development of some specific recommendation for improving the public value of e-government in Sri Lanka.<br><br>This study has made a major contribute to the e-government research domain from both the theoretical and practical perspectives. From the theoretical perspective, this study demonstrates the applicability of the concept of public value for evaluating the performance of e-government. It develops a new framework capable of adequately addressing the limitations of the existing frameworks for evaluating the public value of e-government in a developing country like Sri Lanka in which the e-government development is still at the early stage. From the practical perspective, this study presents an in-depth investigation of the public value of e-government in Sri Lanka. Such an investigation provides the Sri Lanka government with a realistic assessment of the overall performance of e-government in Sri Lanka. It leads to the development of some specific recommendations for enhancing and improving the public value of e-government in Sri Lanka. Such findings are not only significant for the continuous development of e-government in Sri Lanka and for satisfying the expectation and demand of the funding organisations for the development of e-government in Sri Lanka, but also critical for other developing countries in their endeavours to develop e-government in their countries.<br>