Does External Environment Affect E-Government? A Cross- Country Analysis - Information and Communication Technologies in Public Administration - page 63

Africa scored an average of only 0.2733. With the average for the whole world set at
0.44, the data reflect a great divide existing at country level worldwide.
Researchers have attempted to outline the factors determining the develop-
ment of e-government at country level. Some scholars focus on the factors inside
the government, such as budgeting, technology, and human resources. In con-
trast, Basu (2004) summarized the external factors that impede the progress of an
e-government in developing countries. These core factors include problems with
institutional weakness, funding arrangements, local environment, technology and
information changes, and legal inadequacy. Ho and Ni (2004) contend that per-
ceived economic benefits, such as the potential for cost savings and cost recovery,
might provide incentives for policy makers and managers to support the adop-
tion of e-government. They also believed that resource availability plays a role in
e-government adoption.
These arguments are based on the assumption that governments, if in possession
of these resources, are eager to develop e-government. However, given sufficient
funds, human resources, and technology, some might ask if South Korea or North
Korea would try their best to develop an e-government—providing information,
online services, and opportunities for citizens to participate. Many people would
say no. Therefore, it seems that e-government development depends on a variety of
factors, not only those of funding, human resources, and technology.
In fact, developing an e-government is a kind of government behavior impacted
by both internal and external environments. Whether governments want to develop
an e-government not only depends on the resources they have but also relates to
whether they have the political will to develop it. Ke and Wei (2004) analyzed the
successful experience of Singapore in e-government. They found that strong leader-
ship and political will are very important. Even if the government has the proper
technologies, human resources, and funding to improve its e-government, as soon
as it lacks the will to continue, the process will become slow and inactive. Political
issues not only relate to the internal environment but are also impacted by the exter-
nal environment. With higher levels of democracy, Internet usage, education, and
economy, public needs for e-government would likely rise, which would increase
the political will of the government to improve its e-government development.
3.2 Literature Review and Conceptual Model
E-government development at the country level exists in the environment of econ-
omy, Internet usage, education, and politics, among other elements. These factors
indirectly impact a country's e-government by serving as a base for the government
to develop an e-government and influence the public's need for it. In this case, pub-
lic needs can be viewed as pressures to push government to develop e-government
to meet those needs. In addition, the e-government development of neighboring
countries can be viewed as a form of peer pressure to a country.