Title: Citizens' perceptions of corruption and e-governance in Jordan, Ethiopia and Fiji - the need for a marketing approach

Authors: R.D. Pathak; Rakesh Belwal; Gurmeet Singh; Rafia Naz; R.F.I. Smith; Khalid Al-Zoubi

Addresses: Faculty of Business and Economics, The University of the South Pacific, Statham Campus, Statham Street, Suva, Fiji ' Faculty of Business, Sohar University, Room No. B-1-4 A, Post Box No. 44, Post Code No. 311, Sohar, Sultanate of Oman ' School of Management and Public Administration, The University of the South Pacific, Private Mail Bag, Suva, Fiji Islands ' School of Management and Public Administration, The University of the South Pacific, Private Mail Bag, Suva, Fiji Islands ' 125 Everett Crescent, Barongarook West 3249, Victoria, Australia ' Department of Public Administration, Faculty of Business Administration, University of Mutah, P.O. Box 7, Mutah, Al-karak, Jordan

Abstract: The purpose of this research is to assess citizens perceptions of corruption and e-governance in Jordan, Ethiopia and Fiji. The research is based on surveys using structured questionnaires and focus group interviews. Conclusions are derived from a mix of descriptive and inferential analysis. The survey covers a total of 1212 respondents using stratified sampling. Findings reveal that public-sector corruption and demands for bribes are increasing in each country. Only a few people are aware of e-governance and feel that it can help in curbing corruption. The study proposes that to mitigate negative forces in the implementation of e-governance such as corruption, digital divide and urban bias, developing countries need to apply a marketing approach to e-governance services.

Keywords: e-governance; electronic governance; corruption; Jordan; Ethiopia; Fiji; citizen perceptions; public sector marketing; bribery; bribes; digital divide; urban bias; developing countries.

DOI: 10.1504/EG.2012.048005

Electronic Government, an International Journal, 2012 Vol.9 No.3, pp.309 - 332

Published online: 22 Nov 2014 *

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