LOCAL e-GOVERNMENT TRANSFORMATION: A COMPARATIVE CASE STUDY OF SURABAYA, INDONESIA AND DAVAO, PHILIPPINES
Abstract
This study examines the association of technology acceptance variables with the behavioral intention of adopting e-government transformation from the perspective of city government employees in Indonesia and the Philippines. e-Government transformation is defined by four dimensions: using new technology systems; redesigning of governmental processes; restructuring of governmental organization; and, changing the organizational culture and behavior. Specifically, this research sought to critically analyze the extent to which performance expectancy, effort expectancy, social influence, facilitating conditions, anxiety and attitude affect the behavioral intention, and the extent to which age and length of work experience moderate the relationships. Combined quantitative and qualitative approaches were used in the conduct of this research. Variables were operationalized into indicators, which were converted into a self-reported survey questionnaire. Survey data obtained from purposively-sampled city government employees were analyzed using structural equation modeling. Interview responses were content-analyzed to validate the quantified data. Overall, this study had a sample of 160 city government employees, coming from the department/division head level and staff level. On the whole, findings indicate that attitude is a pivotal predictor of intention to adopt e-government transformation across all four dimensions, while performance expectancy, social influence and facilitating conditions also positively influence the intention to adopt process redesign, organizational structuring, and cultural and behavioral change in the city government. Respondents’ length of work experience appears as a significant moderating variable. Respondents’ age does not appear to be a moderating factor. For e-government transformation to be adoptable and effectual, supporting and facilitating conditions are necessary. Structural, technical and financial support, as well as legal framework, for local e-government transformation should be in place. Activities which could promote maintaining and sustaining the positive attitude and right performance expectations towards it should be regularly carried out. Political leadership and political will must be demonstrated by significant actors and stakeholders.