Skip to main content
SpringerLink
Log in

Key e-government issues in China: an empirical study based on the orientation-maturity framework

  • Published:
Electronic Commerce Research Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

The Chinese government has long been striving to promote the development of e-government by using information communication technologies (ICT) in the public sector for accelerating administrative transformation. e-Government projects in different sectors of Chinese governmental agencies, however, often start with multiple objectives and are performed in different ways. To understand the general characteristics of e-government in China, this paper investigates the key issues of e-government through a questionnaire survey, and proposes a specific analytical framework, the orientation-maturity framework for better explaining the key issues. Based on data collected from Chinese government employees, this paper ranks the key issues related to e-government and discusses the implications of the results based on the proposed framework. The findings provide a helpful reference for both practitioners and scholars to better understand the current state of e-government in China and to respond to the forthcoming challenge of administrative transformation caused by the diffusion and utilization of ICT.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this article

Log in via an institution

Price excludes VAT (USA)
Tax calculation will be finalised during checkout.

Instant access to the full article PDF.

Fig. 1
Fig. 2

Similar content being viewed by others

References

  1. Guo, X., & Chen, G. (2005). Internet diffusion in Chinese companies. Communications of the ACM, 48, 54–58.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  2. Martinsons, M. G. (2005). Transforming China. Communications of the ACM, 48, 44–48.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  3. Ma, L., Chung, J., & Thorson, S. (2005). E-Government in China: bringing economic development through administrative reform. Government Information Quarterly, 22, 20–37.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  4. Liu, X., & Liu, Z. (2003). On the function of government during the economic transformation in our country. China Business Review, 2, 13–17.

    Google Scholar 

  5. UN (2005) Global E-government readiness report 2005: From E-government to E-inclusion, United Nations. www.unpan.org.

  6. UN (2012) Global E-government survey 2012: E-Government for the people, United Nations. www.unpan.org.

  7. Chen, X. (2002). The E-GOV action plan in Beijing. In R. Traunmuller & K. Lenk (Eds.), Proceedings of the first international conference (EGOV2002). Aix-en-Provence: Springer.

    Google Scholar 

  8. CO (2005) Transformation government: Enable by technology, Cabinet Office, U.K. www.cio.gov.cn.

  9. Irani, Z., Elliman, T., & Jackson, P. (2007). Electronic transformation of government in the U.K.: A research agenda. European Journal of Information Systems, 16, 327–335.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  10. Margetts, H. (2006). E-government in Britain: a decade on. Parliamentary Affairs, 59, 250–265.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  11. Irani, Z., Al-Sebie, M. & Elliman, P. (2006). Transaction stage of e-government systems: Identification of its location and importance. In Proceedings of the 39th Hawaii international conference on system science.

  12. Layne, K., & Lee, J. (2001). Developing fully functional E-government: A four stage model. Government Information Quarterly, 18, 122–136.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  13. Siau, K., & Long, Y. (2005). Synthesizing e-government stage models: a meta-synthesis based on meta-ethnography approach. Industrial Management & Data Systems, 105, 443–458.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  14. Gottschalk, P. (2000). Studies of key issues in IS management around the world. International Journal of Information Management, 20, 169–180.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  15. Niederman, F., Brancheau, J. C., & Wetherbe, J. C. (1991). Information systems management issues for the 1990s. MIS Quarterly, 15, 475–500.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  16. Ball, L., & Harris, R. (1982). SMIS members: a membership analysis. MIS Quarterly, 6, 19–38.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  17. Brancheau, J. C., Janz, B. D., & Wetherbe, J. C. (1996). Key issues in information systems management: 1994–1995 SIM Delphi results. MIS Quarterly, 20, 225–242.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  18. Brancheau, J. C., & Wetherbe, J. C. (1987). Key issues in information systems management. MIS Quarterly, 11, 23–45.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  19. Dickson, G. W., Leitheiser, R. L., Wetherbe, J. C., & Nechis, M. (1984). Key information systems issues for the 1980’s. MIS Quarterly, 8, 135–159.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  20. Watson, R. T., Kelly, G. G., Galliers, R. D., & Brancheau, J. C. (1997). Key issues in information systems management: An international perspective. Journal of Management Information Systems, 13, 91–115.

    Google Scholar 

  21. Dekleva, S., & Zupancic, J. (1996). Key issues in information systems management: a Delphi study in Slovenia. Information & Management, 31, 1–11.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  22. Haynea, S. C., & Pollard, C. E. (2000). A comparative analysis of critical issues facing Canadian information systems personnel. Information & Management, 38, 73–86.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  23. Pimchangthong, D., Plaisent, M., & Bernard, P. (2003). Key issues in information systems management: A comparative study of academics and practitioner in Thailand. Journal of Global Information Technology Management, 6, 27–44.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  24. Mata, F. J., & Fuerst, W. L. (1997). IS management issues in Central America: A multinational and comparative study. Journal of Strategic Information Systems, 6, 173–202.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  25. Palvia, P. C., Palvia, S. C., & Whitworth, J. E. (2002). Global information technology: A meta analysis of key issues. Information & Management, 39, 403–414.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  26. Palvia, P. C., & Palvia, S. C. (1992). MIS Issues in India and a comparison with the United States. International Information Systems, 1, 100–110.

    Google Scholar 

  27. Chou, H. W., & Jou, S. B. (1999). MIS key issues in Taiwan’s enterprises. International Journal of Information Management, 19, 368–387.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  28. Yang, H. L. (1996). Key information management issues in Taiwan and the US. Information & Management, 30, 251–267.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  29. Chen, G., Wu, R., & Guo, X. (2007). Key issues in information systems management in China. Journal of Enterprise Information Management, 20, 198–208.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  30. Wu, R. (2006). Key issues in IS management in China: An empirical study, Beijing, Doctoral Degree Dissertation, Tsinghua University.

  31. CSC (2002) 2001 Critical issues of information systems management (14th annual survey of IS management issues). http://www.csc.com.

  32. Watson, R. T., & Brancheau, J. C. (1991). Key issues in information systems management: An international perspective. Information & Management, 20, 213–223.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  33. Li, D., Huang, W. W., Luftman, J., & Sha, W. (2010). Key issues in information systems management: An empirical investigation from a developing country’s perspective. Journal of Global Information Management, 18(4), 19–35.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  34. Luftman, J., Zadeh, H. S., Derken, B., Santana, M., Rigoni, E. H., & Huang, Z. D. (2013). Key information technology and management issues 2012–2013: an international study. Journal of Information Technology, 28(4), 354–366.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  35. Grant, G. (2005). Realizing the promise of electronic government. Journal of Global Information Management, 13, 1–4.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  36. Heeks, R., & Bailur, S. (2007). Analyzing e-government research: Perspectives, philosophies, theories, methods, and practice. Government Information Quarterly, 24, 243–265.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  37. Hwang, S. D., Choi, Y., & Myeong, S. H. (1999). Electronic government in South Korea: Conceptual problems. Government Information Quarterly, 16, 277–285.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  38. Irani, Z., Love, P. E. D., & Jones, S. (2008). Learning lessons from evaluating eGovernment: Reflective case experiences that support transformational government. The Journal of Strategic Information Systems, 17, 155–164.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  39. Tan, C. W. K., & Pan, S. L. (2003). Managing e-transformation in the public sector: an e-government study of the Inland Revenue Authoroty of Singapore (IRAS). European Journal of Information Systems, 12, 269–281.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  40. Hackney, R., Kim, S., & Wastell, D. (2005). Editorial. Information Systems Journal, 15, 1–3.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  41. Irani, Z., Love, P. E. D., & Montazemi, A. R. (2007). E-Government: past, present and future. European Journal of Information Systems, 16, 103–105.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  42. Mishra, A., & Mishra, D. (2011). E-Government: Exploring the different dimensions of challenges implementation, and success factors. DATABASE for Advanced Information Systems, 42, 23–37.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  43. Caudie, S. L., & Gorr, W. L. (1991). Key information systems management issues for the public sector. MIS Quarterly, 15, 171–188.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  44. Gil-Garcia, J. R., & Pardo, T. A. (2005). E-Government success factors: Mapping practical tools to theoretical foundations. Government Information Quarterly, 22, 187–216.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  45. Rose, W. R., & Grant, G. G. (2010). Critical issues pertaining to the planning and implementation of E-government initiatives. Government Information Quarterly, 27, 26–33.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  46. Rust, R. T., Inman, J. J., Jia, J., & Zahorik, A. (1999). What you don’t know about customer-perceived quality: The role of customer expectation distributions. Marketing Science, 18(1), 77–92.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  47. Holliday, I., & Yep, R. (2005). E-government in China. Public Administration and Development, 25(3), 239–249.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  48. Scott, M., Delone, W. H., & Golden, W. (2009). Understanding net benefits: A citizen-based perspective on eGovernment success. In Proceedings of the 30th international conference on information systems (ICIS 2009), Paper 86, Phoenix.

  49. Carter, L., & Belanger, F. (2005). The Utilization of E-government service: Citizen Trust, innovation and acceptance factors. Information Systems Journal, 15(1), 5–25.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  50. Chan, F. K. Y., Thong, J. Y. L., Venkatesh, V., Brown, S. A., & Tam, K. Y. (2010). Modeling citizen satisfaction with mandatory adoption of an E-government technology. Journal of AIS, 11(10), 519–549.

    Google Scholar 

  51. Olphelt, W., & Damodaran, L. (2007). Citizen participation and engagement in the design of E-government services: The missing link in effective ICT design and delivery. Journal of AIS, 8(9), 491–507.

    Google Scholar 

  52. Wixom, B. H., & Todd, P. A. (2005). A Theoretical integration of user satisfaction and technology acceptance. Information Systems Research, 16(1), 85–102.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  53. Kang, Y. S., & Lee, H. (2010). Understanding the role of an IT artifact in online service continuance: An extended perspective of user satisfaction. Computers in Human Behavior, 26(3), 353–364.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  54. Susarla, A., Barua, A., & Whinston, A. B. (2003). Understanding the service component of application service provision: An empirical analysis of satisfaction with ASP services. MIS Quarterly, 27(1), 91–123.

    Google Scholar 

  55. Greiner, L. E. (1972). Evolution and revolution as organizations grow. Harvard Business Review, 50, 37–46.

    Google Scholar 

  56. Nolan, R. L., Croson, D. C., & Seger, K. N. (1993). The stages theory: A framework for IT adoption and organizational learning. harvard business school note, no. 9-193-141. Boston: HBS Publishing.

    Google Scholar 

  57. Andersen, K. V., & Henricksen, H. Z. (2006). E-government maturity models: Extension of the Layne and Lee model. Government Information Quarterly, 23, 236–248.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  58. Lee, J. (2010). 10 year retrospect on stage models of e-Government: A qualitative meta-synthesis. Government Information Quarterly, 27, 220–230.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  59. Jaeger, P. T., & Thompson, K. M. (2003). E-government around the world: Lessons, challenges, and future directions. Government Information Quarterly, 20(4), 389–394.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  60. Moon, M. J., & Norris, D. F. (2005). Does managerial orientation matter? the adoption of reinventing government and e-government at the municipal level. Information Systems Journal, 15, 43–60.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  61. Reddick, C. G., & Frank, H. A. (2007). The perceived impacts of e-Government on U.S. cities: a survey of Florida and Texas city managers. Government Information Quarterly, 24(3), 576–594.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  62. Ke, W., & Wei, K. K. (2004). Successful e-Government in Singapore. Communications of the ACM, 47(6), 95–99.

    Article  Google Scholar 

Download references

Acknowledgments

This work was partly supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (71473143/71490721/71102010), the Beijing Social Science Foundation (15JGA008), the Tsinghua University Initiative Scientific Research Program (20131089260), and the Fundamental Research Funds for the Central Universities (2014RC0601). The authors would like to thank the all reviewers and commenters of the preliminary versions of the work on NAEC2013 and HICSS-47 for their valuable comments and suggestions.

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. School of Public Policy and Management, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China

    Nan Zhang, Qingguo Meng & Hang Luo

  2. Research Center for Contemporary Management, School of Economics and Management, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China

    Xunhua Guo

  3. China Construction Bank, Beijing, China

    Cong Yin

Authors
  1. Nan Zhang
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  2. Qingguo Meng
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  3. Xunhua Guo
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  4. Cong Yin
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  5. Hang Luo
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Corresponding author

Correspondence to Nan Zhang.

Appendices

Appendix 1

See Table 6.

Table 6 e-Government key issues items
Full size table

Appendix 2

Please rate the following items regarding their importance to e-government development in your opinion: (Follow the scoring from 1 to 5, where 1 = unimportant, 3 = medium, 5 = very important).

See Table 7.

Table 7 Main contents of the questionnaire
Full size table

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

About this article

Check for updates. Verify currency and authenticity via CrossMark

Cite this article

Zhang, N., Meng, Q., Guo, X. et al. Key e-government issues in China: an empirical study based on the orientation-maturity framework. Electron Commer Res 15, 407–425 (2015). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10660-015-9190-7

Download citation

  • Published:

  • Issue Date:

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10660-015-9190-7

Keywords

Search

Navigation