Civil Servants on Open Data: Perceptions of Azorean civil servants before an imminent Open Government Data initiative

Abstract

Understanding stakeholder reactions to Open Government Data provides valuable insight to officials in charge of OGD strategies and tactics. This research investigates the attitudinal base-state of individual civil servants faced with an imminent OGD initiative. A model of individual perceptions on OGD based on Social Cognitive Theory was applied to an exploratory sample of civil servants from the Regional Government of the Azores (Portugal). Data was collected through semi-structured interviews, and narratives were iteratively analyzed to surface themes using both a deductive and inductive approach. Findings show that Azorean civil servants state willingness to embrace Open Government Data practice and regard it as a relevant endeavor, out of which they expect a more enlightened society and public services, and a deeper understanding of their work on the part of citizens and public officials. Silo mentality from a closed organizational culture is perceived as the main obstacle to the OGD initiative. A clear leadership to the initiative, able to produce guidelines, information and provide training is seen as main facilitator towards deeper involvement. Participants fear that data misinterpretation and selective opening of datasets may present as negative results from the OGD initiative.