Mind the queue

Understanding challenges of introducing e-government policies for entrepreneurs during Covid-19 in a Latin American country

Bibliographic Data

ID21595949
AuthorsAllan Discua Cruz (0000-0002-0069-3092, Lancaster University), Jose Mario Reyes Hernandez (Honduras Foundation for Agricultural Research), Carlos Roberto Arias Arévalo (0000-0002-5833-0956, Seattle Pacific University)
Year2023
Volume36
Issue6
Pages2418-2439
Publication date2023-09-08
Peer ReviewedYes
Open AccessYes
TypeARTICLE
VenueInformation Technology and People (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 0959-3845 • E-ISSN: 1758-5813
PublisherEmerald (PUBLISHER)
DOI10.1108/itp-09-2021-0726
OpenAlexW4294626467
LanguageEN
Citations received2
References cited57

Purpose This study aims to focus on understanding the tensions experienced by government officials in introducing electronic government (e-government) policies to support entrepreneurs in a developing Latin American country. Design/methodology/approach This study relies on an in-depth qualitative approach based on collaborative and analytic auto-ethnography. The authors concentrate on tensions experienced by a government official and how they were addressed when introducing e-government policies to support entrepreneurs during the Covid-19 pandemic. Findings The findings reveal that paradoxical tensions occur as changes are demanded, multiple concerns are expressed and decisions about resources have to be made. The findings reveal sources of tensions from government, business and external sources. Addressing such tensions revolves around a diverse form of paradoxes dealing with contradictions in terms of speed vs thoroughness and short- vs long-term implications. Research limitations/implications The authors’ study provides several contributions. It advances understanding on the source and management of tensions experienced by government officials introducing e-government policies to support entrepreneurs during the Covid-19 pandemic. It also delineates multiple paradoxes experienced by government officials as new policies and systems were introduced. Finally, it offers a conceptual model explaining how government officials deal with multiple tensions emerging from the introduction of e-government policies in a developing country. Originality/value The prior literature has suggested that e-government initiatives would be guided by a prescriptive and tension-free process, driven by the interest to enhance governmental efficiency. This study reveals that developing e-government initiatives for entrepreneurs and existing businesses during the Covid-19 crisis was not immune to contradictions between government officials and the public. A conceptual model, based on multiple sources of tensions (government-related, business-related and external sources) and their management, is proposed. Implications and opportunities for further research are presented

Business · Originality · Political science · Public relations · Qualitative research · Social science · Sociology · Computer Science · E-Government and Public Services · Public Policy and Administration Research · Social Media and Politics

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