Evaluating the optimization of limited government resources in low-income countries using a sharing economy platform

Abstract

This paper reports on the design and usefulness of a digital government innovation to share limited government resources in low-income countries (LICs) based on the sharing economy paradigm, collaborative consumption (CC). The innovation was developed using design science research and the usefulness was evaluated using the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT) model (n=321) with Structural Equation Modeling (SEM). The key findings reveal that performance expectancy, effort expectancy, and facilitating conditions are significant factors of the behavioral intention to adopt the CC platform. Social influence was however not a significant factor. These key findings suggest the practical usefulness of the CC platform in motivating the sharing of limited government resources and overcoming traditional government bureaucracy. The study contributes to information systems theory in advocating for the adoption of a sharing economy ethos as a means to maximizing limited government resources in LICs, and in creating digital artifacts using design science research methods. The study recommends for LIC governments to further extend the resource sharing capability to include non-government organisations and citizens.