DefinePK

Research Objective

To examine the behavior and perception of users of e-services in Pakistan, analyzing the factors that may have influenced citizens' increased reliance on e-services.

Methodology

The study is based on information integration theory. A survey was conducted using a questionnaire to collect responses from 328 educated, working citizens of Lahore. Stratified sampling was used. A five-point Likert scale questionnaire was developed, with questions adapted from existing literature and some tailor-made for the Pakistani context. Pearson's Correlation Analysis and multiple linear regression analysis were used to analyze the data.

Methodology Flowchart

                        graph TD
    A[Information Integration Theory] --> B[Survey Design];
    B --> C[Questionnaire Development];
    C --> D[Data Collection N=328];
    D --> E[Data Analysis];
    E --> F[Pearson's Correlation Analysis];
    E --> G[Multiple Linear Regression Analysis];
    F --> H[Results Interpretation];
    G --> H;
    H --> I[Conclusion and Recommendations];                    

Discussion

Despite a positive perception of e-services, actual usage remains low in Pakistan, indicating barriers to adoption. Factors like lack of political stability, transparency, and trust contribute to this. While promotion and e-culturability influence perception, they do not significantly impact behavior. The study highlights the need for governments to focus on building trust, demonstrating public value, and addressing infrastructural limitations. Cultural factors and the embedded nature of corruption in Pakistan also pose challenges to e-government implementation.

Key Findings

The educated working class in Pakistan holds a positive perception of e-services and is willing to replace traditional public offices with e-services. However, actual usage of e-services is low. E-culturability and promotion of e-services should be considered to increase awareness and boost interest in ICT-integrated government services. E-culturability and promotion had a negative effect on the behavior of e-services use among educated Pakistanis. Promotion and e-culturability positively affected the perception of e-services.

Conclusion

Pakistan lags in e-government adoption. Educated citizens are aware of e-government services but do not use them due to a lack of confidence stemming from political instability and transparency issues. Enhancing e-culturability through education and social marketing via social media can improve adoption. Government agencies must provide trustworthy services and demonstrate public value.

Fact Check

- A survey was conducted with N=328 respondents. (Confirmed in Abstract and Methods section)
- Pakistan was ranked 159th in the UN Global E-government Survey (2016). (Confirmed in Discussion section)
- The total number of social media accounts in Pakistan crossed about 44 million by February 2017. (Confirmed in Discussion section)

Mind Map