Abstract

This study delves into the intriguing paradox observed in some low and middle-income countries (e.g., Bangladesh, Iran, Mexico, Turkey) with relatively higher e-government (e-gov) maturity, as measured by the United Nations e-government development index (EGDI) yet exhibiting lower scores on Transparency International's corruption perception index (CPI). While a related strand of the preceding literature suggests that e-gov maturity promotes transparency and reduces corruption, no studies have yet dedicatedly unravelled this apparent anomaly. To bridge this theoretical gap and contextualize the e-gov impact, we propose a research model that addresses the following question: what are the boundary conditions of the relation between e-gov maturity and corruption level? Building on prior research, we posit a positive main effect: higher e-gov maturity leads to lower levels of perceived corruption. We then categorize countries based on the e-gov maturity and corruption level alignment. Drawing on transparency and accountability theories, we propose that institutional credibility, governance quality, citizen digital literacy, and national cultural dimensions moderate the main effect. To empirically test this conceptual model, we will collect data on the identified variables for 155 low- and middle-income countries spanning 2011 to 2022 and employ multigroup analyses, incorporating both cross-sectional and longitudinal approaches. While acknowledging the potential for omitting additional predictors, this research seeks to illuminate a more nuanced understanding of e-gov as a potent weapon in combatting corruption. This study also aids policymakers in designing contextually relevant and culturally sensitive e-gov strategies and improving implementation effectiveness for enhanced anti-corruption efforts.

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