Managing e-Goverment Change in Developing Countries Libya as a Case study

Abstract

This study focuses on the rise of e-government services around the world, and specifically considers developing countries and Libya as an example. Developing countries in particular face a steep challenge when it comes to e-government services, often lacking sufficient resources, infrastructure, and know-how to implement a large-scale e-government services project. Further more, the numbers of the population of developing countries – as is the case in Libya – often have little contact with computers and the Internet, and may be distrustful of technology and their governments. Primarily, this study aims to articulate the challenges and suggest strategies to overcome them. The study will provide a roadmap to policymakers and the key stakeholders in Libya that will assist them in implementing a successful e-government services programme. Governments in most countries provides much potential to the improve social services, access of key information to citizens and often promise of reduce waste, increasing efficiency, and stopping corruption, reaching underserved constituencies, lowering costs, and improving standard of living. However, delivering these services in technological developing countries faces significant problems and challenges. Some of the challenges can be solved by the introduction of e-government services but the introduction of e-government services in developing countries also faces significant obstacles. The challenges to e-government services reform are numerous and the path toward e-government services is fraught with stumbling blocks, not just for Libya, but for countries all over the globe. These problems are exacerbated by the fact that many governments, notably in developing countries, do not understand the gravity and extent in which e-government can benefit the populace. This reality supports the notion that research needs to be conducted in order to provide governments’ with sufficient information to successfully implement e-government services and meet their goals and overcome their challenges. This study will response to this need, and identify the main factors for successful implementation of e-government services in developing countries. E-government implementation challenges can be technological; a country’s infrastructure, economic problems can often derail e-government services initiatives and lack of funding for implementation, and/or culture problems. This study will provide substantial contributions to Libya’s e-government services initiative, as well as to the growing body of knowledge surrounding the topic and serves as a blueprint for Libyan governments –in particular – to develop e-government services based on proven principles and sound research. This study also will add to the body of literature, framework and theories that best describe the promises of government services in technological developing countries Ultimately, this study aims to be a guide to developing governments, specifically the Libyan government that seek to implement e-government services. It requires careful evaluation, analysis, and planning. It also requires political will, resources, and time. Studies such as this one need to be considered by governments in order to assure success. Too many governments around the word have made missteps during their transition to e-government services. We must learn from their mistakes and improve upon their models.