Electronic Government, an International Journal (24 papers in press)

Regular Issues

• CBDC as a means of payment and its implications for tax administrations  
  by Lara Dourado Vasconcelos Nascimento, Paulo Caetano Da Silva, Daniel Jose Diaz, Clovis Belbute Peres 
  Abstract: Cryptocurrencies and central bank digital currencies (CBDCs) are leading a new phase on the increasing money digitalisation trend. However, unlike credit cards and other well established digital payment services and solutions, digital currencies bring new and complex challenges for the economies, including legal and regulatory implications. Private cryptocurrencies such as Bitcoin have impacted the financial system primarily as a speculative trading instrument. However, with the emergence of central bank digital currencies, the digital money has the potential to revolutionise the payment system, since their features can assure the stability needed for a transactional currency. In this context, tax administrations will be affected both on policy and operational aspects. In this article, we focus on the main aspects that can influence the use of cryptocurrencies and CBDCs as a payment method and investigate the consequences and possibilities of this application to the taxation processes.
  Keywords: central bank digital currency; CBDC; digital currencies; blockchain; taxation.
  DOI: 10.1504/EG.2025.10062902
   
  
• A consolidated conceptual framework of a smart e-government ecosystem: a scoping review  
  by Amina Oussaleh Taoufik, Abdellah Azmani 
  Abstract: The swift societal evolution, catalysed by the COVID-19 pandemic, has given rise to the emergence of a 'super smart society 5.0'. The widespread integration of new information and communication technologies (NICTs), which has impacted various sectors, including government operations, has created opportunities for socio-economic development and the democratisation of data and services. The public sector's response to this tech revolution has varied, progressing from cautious e-government 1.0 to more mature phases (2.0, 3.0). Nonetheless, a digital divide between developed and emerging nations endures. Addressing these challenges mandates efficient data governance, proactive digital leadership, and a comprehensive strategic vision. This paper presents a consolidated smart e-government 4.0 framework, synthesising existing research and best practices to facilitate successful digital transformation within the public sector. By tracing the evolution of e-government and examining the perspectives that shape it, the paper reviews key technologies reshaping public administrations. The proposed framework aims to go beyond the current structures, offering a comprehensive approach to bolstering e-government initiatives. It seeks to create a transparent, democratic, and performance-driven public sector, addressing the nuances and challenges of contemporary governance.
  Keywords: e-government; e-governance; digital transformation; ecosystem.
  DOI: 10.1504/EG.2025.10063682
   
  
• Innovative approach of masked facial recognition  
  by Om Pradyumana Gupta, Arun Prakash Agrawal, Om Pal 
  Abstract: Not only diseases such as COVID-19 but also professions across healthcare, construction and manufacturing require the usage of face masks. Currently, stumbling blocks that are present in the available masked facial recognition techniques lack a focus on Indian specific database which pose serious challenges in surveillance. In this paper, the proposed model, which achieved 96.7% accuracy, works in two-stage. The input goes through the pre-processing stage, which is based on an image cropping approach with a multi-task cascaded convolutional neural network applied over it. Output moves to the convolutional neural network stage where the image is trained on two models, convolutional block attention module and modified face net architecture. Special techniques such as channel attention, spatial attention, batch normalisation, leaky rectification and face embedding vector normalisation, triplet selection are applied to reach an optimal level of accuracy. The robotic process automation engine using Bayesian optimisation is also put in place.
  Keywords: image processing; face recognition; artificial intelligence; Python; masked face detection; deep learning; neural network; COVID-19; facial landmark points; feature extraction.
  DOI: 10.1504/EG.2025.10063683
   
  
• An investigation on adoption of AI-enabled e-waste recycling kiosks in the post-pandemic era  
  by P. Theerthaana, S. N. Vivek Raj  
  Abstract: Leveraging artificial intelligence-powered kiosks in e-waste recycling presents an efficient solution to address the pressing environmental concern of improper e-waste disposal. Therefore, this research aims to identify the key factors driving household consumers to embrace and utilize AI-enabled e-waste recycling kiosks. The conceptual model was empirically analyzed using PLS-SEM with 2750 survey responses from the household respondents. The results indicate that several factors, namely attitude, perceived behavioral control, societal norms, pro-environmental behavior, and self-expressive benefits, are instrumental in influencing the intentions to adopt e-waste recycling kiosks by household consumers. These findings carry profound implications for society, emphasizing the need to curtail e-waste and establish a sustainable circular economy. In this domain of consumer behavior analysis, two novel additional constructs, self-expressive benefits, and pro-environmental behavior are introduced to enhance the existing theory of the planned behavior model. The current enriched model explores the intricacies of consumers' actions and the motivating factors driving their adoption and use of AI-enabled e-waste recycling kiosks, providing insights into this unexplored territory in the post-pandemic era.
  Keywords: AI-enabled e-waste recycling kiosks; theory of planned behaviour (TPB); attitude; pro-environmental behaviour; self-expressive benefits.
  DOI: 10.1504/EG.2025.10063771
   
  
• Analysing e-government service adoption in Bangladesh: a study on the Surokkha Vaccination Program  
  by Koushik Prashad Pathak, Kazi Md. Jamshed, Shusama Arjumond, Khadija Akter, Kaniz Fatema 
  Abstract: The Government of Bangladesh has been undergoing a massive transformation in providing e-government services to its citizens and businesses since 2009. Although e-government services do hold promising merits, the adoption of e-government services is not that significant in Bangladesh. This study aims to identify the factors which drive end-users to adopt e-government services. In this study, the Surokkha vaccine service has been taken as a sample e-government service. Drawing on the extended UMEGA model, this study uses the structured equation modelling (SEM) approach through PLS-SEM to explore the behavioural intention of the end users. The findings revealed that effort expectancy, facilitation conditions, and perceived service quality have a significant influence on behavioural intention to use. Also, there are no such differences between male and female groups while adopting e-government services except for effort expectancy and facilitation condition variables. Several practical implications have been recommended to policymakers for making more user-driven e-government services.
  Keywords: Bangladesh; e-government services; Surokkha; UMEGA model; PLS-SEM approach.
  DOI: 10.1504/EG.2025.10063993
   
  
• An international comparison of the role of artificial intelligence in e-governance towards providing better standards of living  
  by Tinashe Mukonavanhu 
  Abstract: The study investigates the application of artificial intelligence (AI) in e-governance to enhance living standards by improving service provision. It explores AI’s role in various government processes, focusing on operationalisation, security, and service delivery. Utilising international and South African (SA) contexts, the research reviews existing literature and best practices to understand perceptions of AI and e-governance. Through secondary data analysis from diverse sources including articles and government documents, the study identifies challenges encountered by countries, particularly developing ones, in implementing AI in e-governance. These challenges include global insecurity and ethical concerns surrounding AI usage. The primary finding highlights the critical need for ensuring ethical AI deployment and suggests the establishment of supervisory frameworks to enforce regulations. Recommendations stress the importance of preventing major economies from monopolising AI innovation to maintain global balance. The study provides valuable insights for countries seeking to integrate AI into e-governance, emphasising the significance of ethical considerations and regulatory oversight. Overall, it contributes to a deeper understanding of the complexities and implications of AI adoption in government sectors globally.
  Keywords: artificial intelligence; e-government; public management; digital governance; digital era governance; legislation.
  DOI: 10.1504/EG.2025.10064176
   
  
• Social networks between the US presidential candidates regarding COVID-19  
  by Seungil Yum 
  Abstract: This study explores social networks between the US presidential candidates regarding COVID-19 by employing social network analysis for Twitter. This study employs NodeXL to visualise social networks of the US presidential candidates for COVID-19 on 6 November 2020 right after the US 2020 US presidential election date. This study finds that Donald Trump has strong social networks with his family, while Joe Biden reveals those with news media. Second, Donald Trump has strong connections with his political supporters, whereas Joe Biden has many political opponents in the networks. Third, while Donald Trump has only his party in his networks, Joe Biden has not only his political party but also the rival party in his networks. This study contributes to our understanding of how US presidential candidates utilise distinct social networks to address the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic.
  Keywords: US presidential candidate; Donald Trump; Joe Biden; COVID-19; social network.
  DOI: 10.1504/EG.2025.10064179
   
  
• Review of trends from mobile governance studies: a bibliometric analysis  
  by Yashdeep Singh 
  Abstract: This study aims to uncover the current state of research in mobile governance. The dataset of relevant publications was obtained from the Web of Science Core Collection database. Bibliometric analysis was performed using a web-based tool. The findings indicate an exponential increase in publications since 2017. It was found that Simplice A. Asongu and Yogesh Kumar Dwivedi are the most productive authors. Further, Telecommunications Policy is the most influential journal. In addition, the results indicate a close collaboration between the USA and China. Mobile governance acceptance by citizens emerged as a focus area among the researchers. Keyword analysis and thematic map analysis revealed a trend toward integrating cloud and big data technologies in mobile governance research. Health and education appeared to be the niche areas in m-governance. The article concludes with a discussion of the major themes and directions for future research.
  Keywords: bibliometric analysis; big data; cloud computing; mobile governance; technology acceptance; smart cities.
  DOI: 10.1504/EG.2025.10064227
   
  
• Towards a framework for enterprise architecture in mobile government: a case study  
  by Pham Hai Son, Duong Dang, Le Hoang Son, Byeongnam Yoon 
  Abstract: Mobile government (m-government) represents a distinct paradigm shift from electronic government (e-government), offering a new avenue for governments worldwide to deliver services and applications to their customers. The m-government model deviates from e-government in terms of information technology (IT) infrastructure, security, and application management and implementation. Enterprise architecture (EA) has been developed and utilised globally to enhance efficiency and information and communication technology (ICT) utilisation in the public sector through e-government. However, the application of EA within the context of m-government, particularly in developing countries, has largely been overlooked by scholars. This study aims to address this gap. This study seeks to develop an EA specifically tailored for m-government in a developmental context. Our contribution to the literature is the illustration of a proposed EA framework for m-government. The practical implementation of this study is to identify critical considerations when designing and adopting m-government to avoid redundant investments during the integration of infrastructure and applications from e-government to m-government.
  Keywords: m-government; e-government; enterprise architecture framework; mobile technology; information and communication technology; ICT.
  DOI: 10.1504/EG.2025.10064545
   
  
• Identification of user satisfaction dimensions in open data service system using latent Dirichlet allocation: a case study of BMKG online Data  
  by Abdullah Hasan, Achmad Nizar Hidayanto, Ryan Randy Suryono 
  Abstract: The Meteorology, Climatology, and Geophysics Agency (BMKG) presents a government open data portal that contains daily climate information and is freely accessible to users. Within this portal, there is a feature to provide feedback as an assessment of the services provided by BMKG’s online data. Analysis of this feedback data is considered crucial in response to the decrease in the public satisfaction index (IKM) by 2.81 points. The aim of this study is to identify the topics that constitute the dimensions of user satisfaction with BMKG’s online data. Previously, research had been conducted that involved the identification of topics within a company using the latent Dirichlet allocation (LDA) method. By applying the LDA model to user feedback data in text form, we successfully identified four dimensions related to satisfaction in using the BMKG data portal.
  Keywords: user satisfaction; open government data; OGD; user reviews; topic modelling; latent Dirichlet allocation; LDA.
  DOI: 10.1504/EG.2025.10064636
   
  
• Transforming governance: exploring the intersection of e-governance and artificial intelligence in India  
  by Gaddela Srikanth 
  Abstract: The concept of governance has undergone significant transformation in recent decades. In the past, governance was commonly ascribed as a hierarchical procedure in which governmental entities would make decisions, and the general population would comply. However, in the modern landscape, there has been an observable inclination towards adopting a collaborative governance paradigm propelled by the intersection of e-governance and artificial intelligence. The intersection of e-governance and artificial intelligence (AI) in the governance domain presents significant prospects for augmenting governmental mechanisms, i.e., AI algorithms drive insights by analysing the vast datasets and helping policymakers to make informed choices and platforms like e-governance enhance the accessibility and efficiency of the government services. This intersection of AI and artificial intelligence is not solely a technological shift but also redefines the relationship between government and the governed. This synergy holds the promise of transforming governance characterised by the active involvement of governments in forging alliances with citizens, businesses, and various other stakeholders to deliberate and determine policy choices collectively.
  Keywords: governance; artificial intelligence e-governance; digital literacy; civil society participation; India.
  DOI: 10.1504/EG.2025.10064811
   
  
• The role of THEQA, as government-led trustmark, in developing consumers’ trust in local e-commerce websites  
  by Maisa Shadid, Emad A. Abu-Shanab 
  Abstract: The purpose of this study is to explore how THEQA, a government-led trustmark program in the State of Qatar, provides local vendors with mechanisms to establish online trust. This is the first study to explore a government-led local trustmark, and the only one that studies THEQA from the local online vendor’s perspective. The research used semi-structured interviews with both THEQA representatives and online vendors. A research model was established based on the conducted interviews. Both quantitative and thematic content analysis were used. Results show that THEQA trustmark establishes online trust in local e-commerce vendors through four mechanisms: initial-trust related mechanisms, reputation-related mechanism, website-quality related mechanisms, and security-related mechanisms. The study provides managers and decision-makers with trust-building and risk-reduction mechanisms to reinforce trust in e-commerce through e-government initiatives. This study is limited by its small sample size. Further, THEQA trustmark is a newly developed program and still in the growing stage.
  Keywords: e-government; trustmark; Qatar; government-led trustmark; trust mechanisms; e-commerce.
  DOI: 10.1504/EG.2025.10065002
   
  
• Manifestations of voter satisfaction: an empirical analysis using VOTQUAL scale on Indian voters  
  by Deepika , Shashank Vikram Pratap Singh, Kanwal Jeet Singh 
  Abstract: Well-known SERVQUAL Scale is used in marketing to measure customer satisfaction, but there is no such scale to measure voter satisfaction. Abou-Khalil and Aoun (2020) made an attempt to measure voter satisfaction by developing the VOTQUAL scale. The authors tested the scales validity on Lebanese voters, and therefore the scales general applicability is questionable. We took a step forward by testing the scale on Indian voters. Using correlation and regression, statistical analysis is performed on a sample of 1,281 data. Contrary to the findings of Abou-Khalil and Aoun (2020), the findings of our study show that satisfaction is entirely a function of perceptions, which is perfectly consistent with the findings of Parasuraman et al. (1991) and the current political environment in India. The paper contributes significantly in the existing literature in Indias context and add greater insights to politicians aiming to wins elections via-voters satisfaction.
  Keywords: VOTQUAL; voter’s satisfaction; India; political parties.
  DOI: 10.1504/EG.2025.10065280
   
  
• From paper to pixels: the legal status and challenges of electronic writing in administrative contracts. A comparative study of current legal systems  
  by Saddam Mohammad Alawaisheh 
  Abstract: This research critically examines the legal status and challenges of e-writing in administrative contracts within Jordan’s legal framework. Employing a qualitative doctrinal research approach, the study delves into Jordan’s Electronic Transactions Law No. 15 of 2015, which establishes the legal validity of e-contracts and signatures. Despite this foundation, the research identifies significant technological, legal, and security challenges impeding the adoption of e-writing in administrative contracts. Through an exploration of case law and legal doctrine, the study outlines the complexities and proposes practical and legal strategies to overcome these obstacles. The objectives are threefold: to provide a comprehensive analysis of the legal regime governing e-operations in administrative contracts, to identify practical and legal challenges, and to offer suggestions for enhancing e-writing’s use in administrative contracts. The findings underscore the necessity for a multifaceted approach to encourage the adoption of e-writing in administrative contracts, suggesting targeted technical, legal, and policy interventions.
  Keywords: e-writing; administrative contracts; Jordan’s legal framework; electronic transactions law; e-contracts; electronic signatures; digital infrastructure; legal challenges; technological barriers; public administration.
  DOI: 10.1504/EG.2025.10065658
   
  
• Framing human capabilities in digital government: a thematic analysis of policies and strategies  
  by Ermias Abebe Kassa, Jan C. Mentz 
  Abstract: In this paper, we explored the ways in which human capabilities were interpreted and framed in digital government policies and strategies. This research can be viewed as a prospective analysis of the extent to which digital government promotes human capabilities. Using the human capabilities approach (HCA) as a theoretical frame and template analysis as technique, we developed the codebook used for thematic coding through an iterative process of deduction and induction. The themes were then used to analyse policy and strategy documents from four countries to determine what, how, and to what extent human capabilities have been integrated into digital government. We found that all national digital government policies and strategies address human capabilities, albeit with variation in emphasis. Despite their relative order, the ubiquity of the themes in national policies and strategies reflects the universality of human capabilities.
  Keywords: capability approach; digital government; document analysis; electronic government; human capabilities; human capabilities approach; HCA; policy analysis; prospective analysis; public value; template analysis; thematic analysis.
  DOI: 10.1504/EG.2025.10065693
   
  
• Webportal in e-Grievance management system assessing its functionality through the lens of SERVQUAL dimensions  
  by Selvam Jesiah 
  Abstract: E-grievance management system (e-GMS) as an e-governance tool helps bring public, industry and government closer. This study aims to assess the functionality of e-GMS webportal using the appropriate service quality dimensions of e-services. A simple subjective assessment method was used to assess the operationality of the webportal. Prior to the assessment, a systematic literature review was done to identify the suitable service quality dimensions of e-services in order to assess e-GMS webportal. This study examined the eight identified service quality dimensions in e-GMS of India that reveals the high functionality of e-GMS portal resulting in greater efficiency in grievance disposal amidst the challenges connectivity. This study, however, suggests that the government should go beyond the website and technology in e-GMS, and look at various information, communication and education (ICE) strategies with an inclusive approach to reach out to all public that will help the government to achieve a robust and outcome-based public grievance system.
  Keywords: e-Grievance; e-governance; e-service; management system; webportal; quality dimensions; effectiveness; government; public.
  DOI: 10.1504/EG.2025.10066024
   
  
• Constructs of the G2G approach and their impact on the implementation of the digital government policy  
  by Maribel Puentes-Poloche , Alfredo Guzmán Rincón, Favio Cala-Vitery 
  Abstract: The implementation of digital government policy is a global phenomenon and the incorporation of the government-to-government (G2G) approach has resulted in several benefits. However, there is still a lack of understanding on how the constructs of this approach contribute to achieving a higher level of implementation of digital government policy. This article explores which constructs of the G2G approach have an impact on the level of implementation of digital government public policy. For the purpose of this study, it was limited to national level state entities in Colombia. The study used a quantitative cross-sectional approach with data taken from the Unique Progress Report Form of 147 national public entities subscribed to the executive branch. The study used partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM). The results showed that G2G planning, privacy and information security, and the participation of value groups had a positive impact on the implementation of government digital policy. However, there was not enough evidence to confirm the relationship between interoperability, the use of data analytics, and emerging technologies with the level of implementation of government digital policy.
  Keywords: digital government; public policy; G2G; Colombia.
  DOI: 10.1504/EG.2025.10066168
   
  
• Towards an ontological approach to software product line development: a case study of e-banking applications  
  by Nesrine Lahiani, Samir Bettahar, Messaouda Fareh 
  Abstract: Software Product Line (SPL) development has gained popularity in recent years due to its potential to reduce time-to-market and development costs while maintaining quality. However, SPL development still faces significant challenges, such as complexity and variability management. To address these challenges, this paper presents an ontological approach to SPL development that formalizes domain knowledge and provides a common vocabulary for stakeholders to communicate and reason about the development process. The approach is demonstrated using an e-banking case study that involves multiple products with varying requirements and features. The case study shows how the ontological approach can support different activities in SPL development, such as domain analysis, feature modeling, and configuration management. The results demonstrate that the ontological approach can improve the quality and consistency of the SPL development process, reduce the development time and cost, and facilitate better communication among stakeholders. The paper concludes by discussing future research directions and potential applications of the ontological approach in other domains.
  Keywords: software product line; SPL; variability; derivation product; feature model; ontology; e-banking.
  DOI: 10.1504/EG.2025.10066531
   
  
• The influence of e-Government on control of corruption based on hexa helix models  
  by Sofia Dewi, Rindu Rika Gamayuni, Fajar Gustiawaty Dewi 
  Abstract: This research empirically investigates the impact of e-Government on controlling corruption based on the hexa helix model using a panel data collection from 45 high-income countries and 88 upper, low, lower countries during the period 2004-2022. The hexa helix model is defined as a combination of the roles of government, citizens, education, mass media, business systems and the rule of law. The fixed effects model is used to conduct regression tests. The simultaneously result shows that each variable on corruption control has consistent results both in high income countries and in upper, low and lower-income countries. Therefore this research provides suggestions for upper, low and lower income countries to study strategies on how high income countries can achieve a high voice and accountability, high business freedom, high government effectiveness, high political rights, high education spending and high rule of law index so their corruption control index also becomes high.
  Keywords: e-Government; corruption; hexa helix.
  DOI: 10.1504/EG.2025.10066654
   
  
• Understanding e-government readiness and practices from the lens of behavioural and organisational change theories: a case of intelligence-led policing  
  by M. Ibrahim Mohammed Ibrahim Alblooshi, Erne Suzila Kassim 
  Abstract: Intelligence-led policing (ILP), as part of an electronic government initiative, has become policing institution's central component towards safeguarding public safety and security. ILP requires changes to a broad range of organisational aspects and acceptance. Hence, the research was conducted to identify how organisational change and human factors affect the ILP readiness, and to examine the linkage between practices and policing effectiveness. We conducted a survey with police intelligence officers from the Abu Dhabi Police (ADP). The findings suggest readiness of change is the key to ILP practices, and the readiness is determined by officers' attitude, climate of change and process of change. More importantly, ILP is an important component of policing effectiveness, with organisational strategy and human factors as important antecedents. Therefore, the findings have shed some light on the critique of the government structural reluctance of the traditional police culture in accepting change towards electronic inventiveness.
  Keywords: electronic government; electronic government readiness; intelligence-led policing; ILP; Abu Dhabi Police; ADP; policing; organisational change; theory of planned behaviour; TPB; policing effectiveness.
  DOI: 10.1504/EG.2024.10062466
   
  
• Users' perception towards e-governance adoption benefits: evidence from the Indian corporate sector  
  by Amandeep Kaur 
  Abstract: Many developed and developing countries have embarked on an e-governance journey in the last decade with a plethora of e-governance initiatives being launched every year. MCA21 (Ministry of Corporate Affairs) is one such e-governance initiative which strengthened the corporate governance practices and investor protection measures in India. The present study attempts to capture the perceptions of users about MCA21 e-governance initiative, in terms of various benefits derived in e-governance adoption. A structured questionnaire was used through which the responses of 150 users have been examined. The factor analysis technique has been used to identify the dimensions of e-governance benefits. Further, the users' perceptions with the identified dimensions are also examined in terms of chosen demographic variables. The study is expected to be useful for practitioners to be aware about such dimensions to promote the acceptance of e-governance services.
  Keywords: e-governance; MCA21; users' perception; Indian corporate sector.
  DOI: 10.1504/EG.2024.10063208
   
  
• Partisan politics and the impact on corporate tax fees  
  by James S. White, Barbara S. White, Sherwood Lane Lambert 
  Abstract: This study evaluates tax service fees from 2003 to 2020, considering the impact of partisan politics on the level of fees paid. We review the major tax provisions as they impact the level of corporate taxation and the potential cost of tax minimisation strategies. The results find that the lowest average yearly tax fees occurred (2017-2020) after Republican President Trump enacted a major reduction in corporate tax rates to 21% from 2017 to the present. During Republican President Bush's last six years (2003-2008), the average yearly tax fees were higher than during Democratic President Obama's eight-year term (2009-2016). The results suggest that while the political party and the partisan nature of tax policy would seem to impact the costs for tax services, the largest impact comes from actions taken by specific presidents in tax policy.
  Keywords: corporate tax rate; tax policy; tax fees; partisan politics; tax provisions; political party.
  DOI: 10.1504/EG.2024.10062634
   
  
• Neighbourhood councils' use of social media and citizen engagement during a crisis situation using the example of the COVID-19 pandemic  
  by Krzysztof Janc, Wojciech Jurkowski 
  Abstract: This study examines local neighbourhood councils' use of social media as well as citizen engagement during crisis situations. The aim is to answer the questions: what content is published by neighbourhood councils? How is engagement with posted content shaped by its subject matter? How has it evolved over time? The study's reference point is the emergence and proliferation of the COVID-19 pandemic, which may be treated as a global crisis situation. The analysis was conducted based on neighbourhood councils' Facebook profiles in one of the largest Polish cities - Wrocław. Neighbourhood councils are grounded in their neighbourhood, and therefore are able to act more effectively as an information transmitter and broker. They serve as a platform for neighbourhood residents' activity, representing their interests in the city arena. The most important finding is that information on this crisis situation was the centre of local communities' attention for only a short period of time. The research results show that from the perspective of neighbourhood councils and their constituencies, i.e., residents, content closely related to their immediate surroundings was the most important and was characterised by the greatest engagement.
  Keywords: social media; crisis situation; neighbourhood councils; COVID-19 pandemic.
  DOI: 10.1504/EG.2024.10062889
   
  
• Social media integrated mobile government adoption model: investigating adoption behaviour in Karnataka's smart cities  
  by Sunith Hebbar, K.B. Kiran 
  Abstract: Digital transformation like m-government and social media (SM) plays an ornamental role in boosting government services and supports smart city mission. However, the public's dissatisfaction with government's use of SM and lower adoption of m-government, necessitates more research into citizens' perspective on these. Hence, the study integrates diffusion of innovation and uncertainty reduction theories with SM-influence and few external variables to analyse people's usage-intention in Karnataka's smart cities. The questionnaire survey yielded 1,444 citizen responses, which were statistically tested using PLS-SEM. The factors relative advantage, compatibility, facilitating condition, and trust were proved significant. Also, the importance of being aware of specific aspects like relative advantage and compatibility (mediators) proved vital. Information quality and transparency were found critical in enhancing trust and thereby impacting usage-intention. Finally, SM is proven significant in strengthening trust, transparency, social influence, image and awareness. The discussions and research implications are expanded upon in this paper.
  Keywords: m-government; social media; diffusion; innovation; uncertainty reduction; quality; behavioural intention.
  DOI: 10.1504/EG.2024.10062892