Conceptualizing the impact of corruption in national institutions and national stakeholder service systems on e-government maturity

Abstract

Research linking corruption and e-government maturity has mainly focused on the impact of e-government on corruption, and a vast majority of studies among them indicate that e-government can effectively lower the level of corruption in a country. As opposed to this well-developed stream of research, we explore and contribute to another potential but under-developed stream of research: the impact of corruption on e-government maturity. Drawing on the institutional perspective to construe corruption, we argue that corruption in three basic national institutions (political, legal, and media) and two national stakeholder service systems (business and citizen systems) in a country can hinder its e-government maturity. Specifically, we propose a holistic framework that conceptualizes the negative influence of corruption in national institutions and national stakeholder service systems on e-government maturity by drawing on five key theoretical perspectives—agency theory, control theory, theory of X-inefficiency, rent-seeking theory, and trust in institutions—grounded in corruption and information systems project management literature. The proposed conceptual framework is expected to (1) guide future empirical research on “corruption–e-government” phenomenon by providing rich theoretical explanations; and (2) offer a comprehensive strategy for practitioners and policymakers dealing with e-government projects and initiatives.