How E-Government Can Help Societies during a Crisis: Implications of UTAUT Model in Lebanon

Bassel El Hajj, Georgiana Karadas and Pouya Zargar ()
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Bassel El Hajj: Department of Business Administration, Faculty of Economics and Administrative Sciences, Cyprus International University, Mersin 10, Lefkosa 99010, Turkey
Georgiana Karadas: Department of Business Administration, Faculty of Economics and Administrative Sciences, Cyprus International University, Mersin 10, Lefkosa 99010, Turkey
Pouya Zargar: Department of Business Management, Faculty of Business and Economics, Girne American University, Mersin 10, Girne 99300, Turkey

Sustainability, 2023, vol. 15, issue 6, 1-18

Abstract: Introduction: Information and communication technology (ICT) usage has grown rapidly, with a significant rise following the occurrence of the COVID-19 pandemic. This study assesses the relationships among task–technology fit, sense of virtual community, and the continuous intention to use electronic government services (e-government). Methods: Through quantitative approach using surveys, a total of 390 data was obtained from registered citizens in Tripoli municipality during the pandemic. The data were analyzed using partial least square-structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM). Results: The mediating role of the unified theory of acceptance and use of technology (UTAUT) model was observed, which shows that task–technology fit, sense of virtual community, and the consideration of society and its development are essential factors for citizens to use ICTs. Systems should entail features that meet the needs of citizens, community-building elements, and satisfactory performance. The importance of e-government ICTs in community development, particularly in a fragile state such as Tripoli, Lebanon, is the highlight of the current results. This can be beneficial for governmental authorities in the region of the Middle East, helping them to increase communication effectiveness by implementing appropriate digital means for the public during a crisis. Community development is a highly effective aspect that governments can implement in their digital services to provide opportunities for learning, awareness, and social progress to the public.

Keywords: continuous intention to use; community development; task–technology fit; sense of virtual community; UTAUT; COVID-19; e-government (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2023
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