Factors Influencing the Development of eGovernment in Saudi Arabia: A Qualitative Investigation of the Developers’ Perspectives

Abstract

This dissertation aims to develop a deep understanding of the factors that influence the development of eGovernment and contribute to the delay of its initiatives in Saudi Arabia. Thus, this study focuses on the delay of the implementation of the Yesser eGovernment program in Saudi Arabia, which was scheduled for completion in 2010. Previous research in relation to eGovernment and the factors influencing its implementation and development have been reviewed. The literature review indicates that there has been little research considering the factors in the delay and almost none looking at the perceptions and experiences of those involved in its development and implementation. Hence, the factors influencing the implementation and development of eGovernment will be explored from the point of view of the people who are involved in the implementation and development of eGovernment. It is important to find out what those people who are involved in the implementation want to say in their own way regarding the implementation of eGovernment as well as their experiences of the issues involved with the implementation and development process. Therefore, this research takes a different approach by focusing on stakeholders who are involved in the development of the eGovernment program and other informed participants. This is in contrast to most previous research which considers users’ attitudes and adoption of eGovernment, especially in the context of Saudi Arabia.