•  
  •  
 
Communications of the Association for Information Systems

Author ORCID Identifier

Pramod Kumar Patnaik: https://orcid.org/0009-0007-4728-9015

Gaurav Dixit: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-9251-5818

Ajay Kumar: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-8187-4169

Thanos Papadopoulos: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-6821-1136

Abstract

Marginalized rural communities in developing countries experience a significant digital divide, preventing their ‘direct interaction’ with ICTs and depend on ‘proxy use’ via telecenters/kiosks to access rural e-governance services. We examine rural e-governance strategies and practices that might address the complexities of rural contexts in developing countries. Specifically, we study the factors that promote the “direct use of ICTs” among marginalized rural populations, aiming to reduce their future reliance on “proxy use”. We employ a mixed-methods approach, combining in-depth interviews with the DEMATEL, a decision-making technique for identifying cause-and-effect chain components of complex systems. We utilize IS theories and literature to identify strategy and practice factors, and supplement these by conducting interviews with experts. These factors were analyzed using DEMATEL to develop an empirical framework depicting the causal linkages between them. Our findings reveal two novel strategies—software artifacts with easy setup and digital inclusion for insurance—and two novel practices: ICT artifact interface and awareness, which require a targeted approach for marginalized rural users to reduce their 'proxy-use'. This study makes a significant contribution to digital divide and rural e-governance research, offering valuable insights for stakeholders to support digital inclusion and promote the social upliftment of marginalized rural populations.

Download

Share

COinS
 

When commenting on articles, please be friendly, welcoming, respectful and abide by the AIS eLibrary Discussion Thread Code of Conduct posted here.