Towards smart governance through a multidisciplinary approach to e-government integration, interoperability and information sharing: A case of the Labour Market Intelligence project in South Africa

Abstract

The integration and interoperability of e-government systems and information sharing are pivotal in promoting the successful digital transformation of governments into “smart governments”. Smart governments govern efficiently in a bid to improve the quality of life of citizens and also promote socio-economic inclusion in delivering services. Developing country governments, however, continue to face blockages in their digital transformation journeys due to a myriad of challenges which include information sharing and the integration and interoperability of e-government systems. The aim of this study is to understand the institutional barriers to e-government integration, interoperability and information sharing with a view to improving the implementation of policy reforms that promote inclusive digital transformation. Integration, interoperability and information sharing are critical in ensuring a seamless flow of data, information, knowledge, and innovation across government to promote strategic planning, operational efficiency, better service delivery and governance. The study is multidisciplinary; it is conducted in the information systems discipline but draws from other disciplines such as political science and public administration. The study is an interpretivist single case study of the Labour Market Intelligence Partnership Project based in South Africa, a developing country that has embraced an inclusive digital transformation agenda. Semi-structured interviews, a review of the literature and documentary evidence are used for collecting data. Thematic analysis is used to analyse evidence. Some of the key themes that emerged include collaboration, leadership, governance, power, politics, and trust, norms, regulation and information and communication infrastructure. Institutional Theory and the Circuits of Power Framework are used as the theories underpinning this study. The integration and interoperability of e-government systems and information sharing are pivotal in promoting the successful digital transformation of governments into “smart governments”. Smart governments govern efficiently in a bid to improve the quality of life of citizens and also promote socio-economic inclusion in delivering services. Developing country governments, however, continue to face blockages in their digital transformation journeys due to a myriad of challenges which include information sharing and the integration and interoperability of e-government systems. The aim of this study is to understand the institutional barriers to e-government integration, interoperability and information sharing with a view to improving the implementation of policy reforms that promote inclusive digital transformation. Integration, interoperability and information sharing are critical in ensuring a seamless flow of data, information, knowledge, and innovation across government to promote strategic planning, operational efficiency, better service delivery and governance. The study is multidisciplinary; it is conducted in the information systems discipline but draws from other disciplines such as political science and public administration. The study is an interpretivist single case study of the Labour Market Intelligence Partnership Project based in South Africa, a developing country that has embraced an inclusive digital transformation agenda. Semi-structured interviews, a review of the literature and documentary evidence are used for collecting data. Thematic analysis is used to analyse evidence. Some of the key themes that emerged include collaboration, leadership, governance, power, politics, and trust, norms, regulation and information and communication infrastructure. Institutional Theory and the Circuits of Power Framework are used as the theories underpinning this study. The integration and interoperability of e-government systems and information sharing are pivotal in promoting the successful digital transformation of governments into “smart governments”. Smart governments govern efficiently in a bid to improve the quality of life of citizens and also promote socio-economic inclusion in delivering services. Developing country governments, however, continue to face blockages in their digital transformation journeys due to a myriad of challenges which include information sharing and the integration and interoperability of e-government systems. The aim of this study is to understand the institutional barriers to e-government integration, interoperability and information sharing with a view to improving the implementation of policy reforms that promote inclusive digital transformation. Integration, interoperability and information sharing are critical in ensuring a seamless flow of data, information, knowledge, and innovation across government to promote strategic planning, operational efficiency, better service delivery and governance. The study is multidisciplinary; it is conducted in the information systems discipline but draws from other disciplines such as political science and public administration. The study is an interpretivist single case study of the Labour Market Intelligence Partnership Project based in South Africa, a developing country that has embraced an inclusive digital transformation agenda. Semi-structured interviews, a review of the literature and documentary evidence are used for collecting data. Thematic analysis is used to analyse evidence. Some of the key themes that emerged include collaboration, leadership, governance, power, politics, and trust, norms, regulation and information and communication infrastructure. Institutional Theory and the Circuits of Power Framework are used as the theories underpinning this study. The integration and interoperability of e-government systems and information sharing are pivotal in promoting the successful digital transformation of governments into “smart governments”. Smart governments govern efficiently in a bid to improve the quality of life of citizens and also promote socio-economic inclusion in delivering services. Developing country governments, however, continue to face blockages in their digital transformation journeys due to a myriad of challenges which include information sharing and the integration and interoperability of e-government systems. The aim of this study is to understand the institutional barriers to e-government integration, interoperability and information sharing with a view to improving the implementation of policy reforms that promote inclusive digital transformation. Integration, interoperability and information sharing are critical in ensuring a seamless flow of data, information, knowledge, and innovation across government to promote strategic planning, operational efficiency, better service delivery and governance. The study is multidisciplinary; it is conducted in the information systems discipline but draws from other disciplines such as political science and public administration. The study is an interpretivist single case study of the Labour Market Intelligence Partnership Project based in South Africa, a developing country that has embraced an inclusive digital transformation agenda. Semi-structured interviews, a review of the literature and documentary evidence are used for collecting data. Thematic analysis is used to analyse evidence. Some of the key themes that emerged include collaboration, leadership, governance, power, politics, and trust, norms, regulation and information and communication infrastructure. Institutional Theory and the Circuits of Power Framework are used as the theories underpinning this study. The two theories are appropriate for studying multidisciplinary phenomena such as e-government. This study found that despite the development of policies, normative and other mechanisms aimed at promoting the digital transformation of government, the implementation of such reforms remains a challenge. Poor coordination and collaboration, poor leadership commitment, poor social and political cohesion, power dynamics, trust concerns, resourcing and institutionalised norms and practices that hinder transformation were some of the barriers identified. The Integration, Interoperability and Information Sharing complexity Framework is proposed for understanding the implementation of integration, interoperability and information sharing initiatives in institutions. To understand the institutionalisation of reforms in government, the Power, Politics and Institutionalisation of Information Systems Framework is proposed.