The importance of strategic readiness in an emerging e-government environment

Purpose – The purpose of the study is to examine how information technology, strategic planning processes, and people interact in an emerging e-government environment. Design/methodology/approach – A discriminant model was developed to test the ability to distinguish between the perceptions of high and low importance of six major e-government functions as a function of a four-item strategic e-government readiness scale. An empirical study of a municipal government supported the discriminant model. Findings – Government agencies must evaluate how strategic e-government plans are developed, communicated, and integrated into the work environment. Without the proper understanding of the importance of e-government initiatives, employees do not place high value on e-government initiatives. Research limitations/impli‘cations – This study focuses on one group of stakeholders, employees. Future studies might consider other interested parties, like citizens, business partners, and other government organizations. Future researchers could also compare various municipalities and identify those that are successful in implementing e-government initiatives and explore the factors that contribute to that success. Practical implications – Government agencies must ensure that their IT plans are aligned with business strategies as they attempt to expand their e-government services. It is also important that the content and organizational importance of the strategic plans be effectively communicated to employees. Originality/value – This study contributes to the current body of knowledge on e-government by facilitating understanding and measurement of e-government models.