Title: Implementing and managing e-government in the State of Qatar: a citizens' perspective

Authors: Shafi Al-Shafi, Vishanth Weerakkody

Addresses: School of Information Systems, Computing and Mathematics, Brunel University, Uxbridge, Middlesex, UB8 3PH, UK. ' School of Information Systems, Computing and Mathematics, Brunel University, Uxbridge, Middlesex, UB8 3PH, UK

Abstract: E-government has shown encouraging results in developed countries in the context of delivering electronic information and services to citizens. However, despite the many lessons that can be learned from the experiences of those e-government initiatives, developing countries are still faced with various issues pertaining to their implementation of e-government services. Like many other developing countries, the e-government initiative in Qatar has faced a number of challenges since its inception in 2000. Using survey-based research, this paper examines some of these challenges from a citizens| perspective. Among others, this research found that, despite a superior ICT infrastructure, issues such as lack of awareness, bureaucratic business practices and citizens| satisfaction levels with the current national e-government strategy were influencing the adoption of e-government services in the State of Qatar.

Keywords: e-government; electronic government; developing countries; Qatar; citizens perspective; awareness; trust; bureaucracy.

DOI: 10.1504/EG.2007.015037

Electronic Government, an International Journal, 2007 Vol.4 No.4, pp.436 - 450

Published online: 05 Sep 2007 *

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