E-Governance Performance In The Context Of Developing Countries

E-governance initiatives in developing countries have the potential to drive socio-economic progress, enhance service delivery, and engage citizens in governance. Yet, consensus on performance measures for e-governance initiatives is absent. This study, in the context of Nigeria, endeavours to bridge this gap by providing a nuanced understanding of e-governance performance. It introduces an integrated framework, merging Public Value Theory (PVT) and the New Public Service (NPS) approach, thereby offering a new perspective considering both societal impact and user experiences. This framework facilitates the examination of broader societal impacts, emphasizing accountability, transparency, and citizen empowerment. Additionally, it adopts a service-oriented perspective, addressing citizens' needs. Together, these components create a unified, approach towards understanding and enhancing e-governance performance, promoting a more holistic analysis.

Aligned with the interpretive paradigm, this research adopts qualitative methods to examine the performance of e-governance initiatives, specifically in the context of developing countries such as Nigeria. Placing emphasis on user and stakeholder perspectives, the study enlists participants ranging from end-users to stakeholders and technology implementers. Focusing on key initiatives namely IPPIS, GIFMIS, and NICIS, the research explores nuances within these initiatives, capturing the diverse perspectives and contextual variations that arise from their performance and impact. Employing qualitative interview techniques, including content analysis, the research paints a nuanced portrait of e-governance performance within the Nigerian public sector. Findings underscore the pivotal role of user and stakeholder perspectives in analysing e-governance initiatives, particularly within the developing context of Nigeria. This user-centric approach identifies key areas for improvement, contributing to the development of more technologically efficient and user-friendly solutions. The research augments theoretical understanding by introducing a new framework for examining the performance e-governance initiatives in developing countries which applies context aware factors and prioritize user and other stakeholder perspectives.

On a practical level, the study offers insights for policymakers and stakeholders in developing countries, guiding areas of improvement for more user-friendly solutions and enhanced service delivery. The research, with its findings, becomes a compass for informed decision-making in the implementation and management of e-governance, fostering governance practices that are not just efficient but profoundly impactful. At its core, the study accentuates the pivotal significance of the integrated PVT and NPS framework, reshaping the lens through which e-governance initiatives are scrutinized and managed. The implications for future research underscore the imperative need for continued exploration into user-centric approaches and the seamless integration of diverse perspectives, serving as catalysts for positive transformations in the context of developing countries.