Digitalization and Digital Transformation and Adoption in the Public Administration during the Covid19 Pandemic Crisis

Abstract

The objective of the study is to find the key organizational factors that impact on digital transformation projects, creating thus a social value especially during the current pandemic crisis where many changes have been made in the ways that organizations operate. An interdisciplinary approach was used and comparison among selected European Union countries where digital governance has been applied to public-to-citizen transactions. A quantitative survey was also conducted by distributing online questionnaires to middle and senior executives of public organizations in Greece. A total of 151 questionnaires were answered and their analysis was performed using the SPSS statistical tool. The results showed that the internal factors that influence the adoption of digital governance and its successful implementation include the technological factors that compose the quality of services and mainly the organizational ones such as training and evaluation of human resources, leadership, organizational strategy, and the creation of digital culture.

Modernising Public Administration

“…In addition, the study of Xanthopoulou & Plimakis, (2021) confirms that the barriers and conditions for successful digital transformation extend beyond technological considerations. Organisational, institutional, and legal factors often hinder the introduction and adoption of new technologies in the public sector.…”

“…These findings according to Xanthopoulou & Plimakis, (2021) underscore the importance of both technological and organisational factors in driving successful digital transformation in the public sector.…”

“…Digital transformation emerges as a transformative force, empowering public administration to reimagine its approach to governance and embrace a more efficient, responsive, and citizen-centric model. 5 A study conducted by Xanthopoulou & Plimakis, (2021) revealed that three components were statistically significant for digital governance adoption: 6 1. Quality of Service: Perceived ease of use, promotion of digital governance, and perceived usefulness emerged as critical factors influencing digital governance adoption.…”

“…The public sector is facing increasing pressure not only to implement new administrative reforms but also to align its priorities with the evolving needs of its citizens. 10 Digitalisation, particularly in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic, has emerged as a critical and continuous transformation force, reshaping modern society across various aspects of daily life. 11 While terms such as digitisation, digital governance, and digital transformation are often used interchangeably in the literature, many studies focus primarily on technological factors, with limited attention paid to organisational aspects in the public sector.…”