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.