The role of e-government in reducing corruption and enhancing transparency in the Afghan public sector: a case study

Abstract

Purpose The purpose of this study is to explore the role of e-government in reducing corruption and achieving transparency from the perspective of citizens and public servants of the National Statistics and Information Authority in Afghanistan. Design/methodology/approach This study applies a mixed-method research design to explore whether e-government can combat corruption and increase transparency in the public sector of a developing nation. The data collection involves a survey of (n = 280) citizens and interviews with six National Statistics and Information Authority public servants. Data analysis includes descriptive statistics, Spearman’s correlation for the survey and qualitative content analysis for the interviews. Findings The results of this study reveal that e-government distributes and decentralizes power among public servants, reduces corruption and promotes transparency and accountability by reporting corruption through social media, online complaint forms, emails and the 450 toll-free number. In addition, the major factors are identified that reduce corruption through e-government. Research limitations/implications This study proposes a model for using e-government that has implications for designers, developers and policymakers to create user-friendly systems that reduce bureaucracy and physical interactions with public servants while minimizing paper-based systems. Practical implications Governments can reduce corruption among high-ranking public servants by implementing a decentralized system that prevents system manipulation. This involves measures like surveillance, ICT training, process automation, reduced bureaucracy, simplified procedures and real-time customer support. Social implications Despite the potential of e-government to reduce monopoly power and intermediaries among low-ranking officials, high-ranking Afghan officials still engage in corrupt practices. Nonetheless, 75% of Afghans believe e-government promotes transparency and accountability and reduces corruption. Originality/value To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first study in the Afghan public sector that explores the role of e-government to reduce corruption and achieve transparency.

Indicators and Components for Developing a Model of Anti-Corruption Policy in Iran (With an Electronic Government Approach)

“…The aim of this research was to identify indicators and components for developing an anti-corruption administrative policy model in Iran (with an e-government approach). The findings align with the previous studies (Al Mudawi et al, 2020;Alhammadi, 2018;Concha et al, 2012;Elbahnasawy, 2014;Ibrahimy et al, 2023;Niazi, 2023;Nouri et al, 2020;Rahnavard et al, 2019;Taghva et al, 2023;Zhao et al, 2017). The results demonstrate that policy formulation is a challenging art where the most crucial part of strategies has the potential for implementation, and the implementation of these strategies has outcomes, namely the establishment of e-government for public service transparency.…”

“…It is a general program that serves as an action guide for managers, meaning that senior managers play a prominent role in determining the overall and national policy of the organization. The implementation method for organizational executives is determined by the policy, and it also serves as an effective means of controlling operations (Fadaei & Kiani, 2018;Gheisari et al, 2019;Gheytasivand et al, 2020;Ibrahimy et al, 2023;Khoobroo et al, 2018;Khoobroo & Ebrahimi, 2019;Maor, 2015;Mazmanian & Sabatier, 1983;McConnell, 2010;Moyson et al, 2017;Nouri et al, 2020;Rahnavard et al, 2019;Ramezanpour et al, 2020;Tosun & Howlett, 2022;Weldeslassie, 2021). Policy formulation, regulation, and formulation derived from the formula simply mean designing and presenting a unified prescription as a plan, program, or method for addressing some needs or acting on an issue or problem.…”

“…Complex and obscure government systems force users to prefer agents over systems for their transactions, where the presence of agents can create a market for bribery. A wide array of evidence shows that well-designed e-governance projects, accompanied by process reforms, reduce the discretion delegated to government employees, increase efficiency, and reduce corruption (Ibrahimy et al, 2023).…”

“…The results showed that outcomes such as information technology and network access, laws and regulations, services, and human capital not only impact corruption reduction but also form key priorities in the egovernment structure; thus, e-government is an effective factor in reducing corruption, which is realized when the components of e-government are properly considered (Taghva et al, 2023). Ibrahimy et al (2023) found that egovernment decentralizes power among public employees, reduces corruption, and enhances transparency and accountability with corruption reporting through social media, online complaint forms, emails, and toll-free numbers 450 (Ibrahimy et al, 2023). Additionally, the main factors reducing corruption through e-government have been identified.…”