An Investigation of e-Government Adoptionin Bahrain and Evaluate the key DeterminingFactors for Strategic Advantage

Abstract

This study investigated the e-Government initiatives in developing countries and analysed Bahrain’s government stance through a case study where the e-Government system is considered as a core strategy. This research therefore sought to address citizens and expatriates' adoption of e-Government services in Bahrain as one of developing countries, which has spent millions of dollars to launch the e-Government initiative, in order to meet the strategic objectives of Bahrain’s government vision 2030. The study included an empirical study using exploratory method to comprehend how citizens/expatriates of Bahrain accept the e-Government service, and evaluated the factors influenced users to adopt this new technology (i.e. e-Service). The research also examined the two aspects of the e-Government services and their stakeholders, including users and service providers. Through a descriptive study, this qualitative case study methodology was conducted via an interview with a key official in the e-Government authority in Bahrain, and the focus group with four specialists in e-Government systems, to determine the e-Government’s usability from the implementation aspects. The quantitative method, on the other hand, was implemented through questionnaires with both citizens and expatriates to determine the e-Government’s usability from the adoption aspects in Bahrain. The extended technology acceptance model (TAM) was used as predictive modelling and a technique for analysing results of the user survey. The newly developed conceptual model via a structural analysis indicated that citizens and expatriates in Bahrain are willing to accept and use the e-Government system, and it is the most determinant methods of peoples' intention with the system. However, the research indicated there are some issues related to the trust and cultural constructs that need to be addressed by the government based on the attitude of citizens and expatriates determined toward Behaviour Intention (BI) directly, and through the perceived usefulness and ease of use. The research indicated the common factors influence e-Government's adoption from both demand and supply aspects in Bahrain, and the best solutions proposed by the respondents. The conclusion of this study based on the findings comprised of a conceptual framework that explained why the citizens and expatriates' adoption of e-Government services as the core strategic enabler to Bahrain's vision 2030.