The Impact of National Culture on Worldwide eGovernment Readiness

Abstract

Diffusion of information and communication technologies is a global phenomenon. In spite of rapid globalization there are considerable differences between nations in terms of the adoption and usage of new technologies. Several studies exploring causal factors including national cultures of information and communication technology adoption have been carried out. The focus of this paper is slightly different from other studies in this area. Rather than concentrating on the individual information technology an overall eGovernment readiness is the focus. This research conducted an analysis of the impact national culture has on eGovernment readiness and its components for 95 countries. eGovernment readiness assessment used in this study is based on the UN Global eGovernment Survey 2003, while the national cultural dimensions were identified using Hofstede’s model of cultural differences. The research model and hypotheses were formed and tested using correlation and regression analysis. The findings indicate that worldwide eGov-ernment readiness and its components are related to culture. The result has theoretical and practical implications.

Effects of national culture on e-government diffusion—A global study of 55 countries

“…In this regard, our study should contribute to the advancement of cross-cultural research as well as e-government diffusion. For example, our research findings could be used to correlate the effects of culture on e-government diffusion with research by others who have adopted A c c e p t e d M a n u s c r i p t 22 different cultural models [47,80]. Such research could lead to further theoretical development due to the convergent validity achieved by using various cultural models.…”

“…The study of Akyut [7] showed a negative correlation between uncertainty avoidance and e-government adoption across the European countries studied. However, the results of statistical analysis of global data conducted by Kovačić [47] and Zhao [80] disputed this correlation. These inconsistent results warrant more empirical studies and testing.…”

“…Some studies have shown that democratic political systems are in favour of e-government diffusion and demonstrate a commitment to providing efficient and transparent online services for their citizens in order to overcome barriers to e-government development. Kovačić [47] found that more democratic countries are ranked higher in terms of e-government diffusion than the less democratic countries. He found by using the Freedom House index (cited in [47]) that there was a significant positive correlation between e-government implementation and democracy.…”

“…Two of these three studies adopt Hofstede's cultural model, while the third adopts the GLOBE model. Kovačić [47] investigated whether differences in worldwide e-government readiness levels can be explained by cultural variables. He adopted the four cultural dimensions of Hofstede [33] as a conceptual framework for the study.…”

E-readiness evaluation modelling for monitoring the national e-government programme (by the example of Ukraine)

“…In particular, researchers are trying to analyse the differences in the electronic development of states under the influence of the national-cultural factor by applying the Geert Hofstede model [15].…”