Factors affecting the development of e-Government in Saudi Arabia

Abstract

The purpose of this paper is to explore the factors influencing the implementation of e-Government in Saudi Arabia. Those factors can be viewed in the context of internal and external trends, political and economic climates, technological factors, and customer needs. Internal trends have to do with how government employees add value to the services they provide to the public. The handling of personal data, digital divide between those with access to IT facilities and those without, the need to respond to customer needs, and government policies are factors which create political climate. The increases in disposable income, rise in service culture and business mergers have a bearing on e-Government. Internet penetration worldwide and households, proliferation of smart phones and availability of broadband communication networks are among the technological factors facilitating e-Government. Governments have to appreciate customer requirements to address them adequately using ICT. © 2012 Springer-Verlag.