A context-based integrative framework for e-government initiatives

The recent advances in the Internet technology have propelled the development of related applications in electronic communications and transactions, including electronic commerce and electronic government (e-government). There has been a proliferation of e-government initiatives worldwide undertaken under different forms of government, socioeconomic settings, and technological conditions. Nonetheless, the relationship between an e-government initiative and its context has not received adequate attention in the e-government literature. This paper provides an organizing framework that maps the core values (goals) of e-government to two fundamental factors; namely, the degree of e-government readiness and the level of democratization. The framework addresses the importance of the relationship between the context within which e-government initiatives are undertaken and the goals of those initiatives. From a conceptual perspective, this framework underscores the pivotal importance of the context of an e-government initiative in influencing the goals of this initiative. From a practical viewpoint, the framework provides a roadmap for policy makers to formulate policy goals of e-government initiatives commensurate with their respective environments.