A Survey of the Perception of Selected National Computer Center Employees on Electronic Government

Abstract

This study is about the perception of electronic government by the employees of the National Computer Center (NCC). It aims to determine the level of awareness of NCC employees about e-Government, and whether demographic variables, such as age, gender and level of education affect their views about e-Government. The study also seeks to find out if the respondents have a positive or negative view of e-Government. Through the results of the study, the researcher hopes to contribute to the limited body of knowledge on how e-Governance is being perceive by the public, particularly by government employees.

To administer the study, the researcher’ used the survey research design, particularly the cross-sectional survey as the method of study. The study also made use of the questionnaire as a research instrument, as well as quantitative analysis through statistical tools like percentages. Inferential statistics was additionally employed to make observations about government employees’ perception of e-Governance.

The rise of information and communications technology (ICT) paved the way to e-Government, making governments more effective, efficient and transparent, lessening the bureaucracy and providing citizens with better services. The Philippine government has many noteworthy e-Government projects, like the National Statistics Office IT Project, the National Bureau of Investigations’ Online Clearance Kiosks, the Machine Readable Passports and Visas Project by the Department of Foreign Affairs. The Government Information System Plan (GISP) was drafter to serve as the blueprint for the computerization of the government. However, despite the notable efforts, majority of the public is not aware of the e-Government efforts, what it is all about, and most importantly, how they can benefit from it.

As the lead agency in government, NCC plays a pivotal role in promoting computerization. NCC employees are the respondents of the study because they have a solid experience in ICT in government, dating back to its creation in 1971. Among all government entities, the technical expertise of NCC is needed in realizing e-Government. It is therefore important to gauge their level of awareness because they will be orchestrating the diffusion of ICT in government. Knowing their level of awareness will also help government planners assess what kind of advocacy or information campaigns to launch to raise the general awareness on e-Government among the general public,

The study found out that NCC employees are exploring the Internet in large numbers, showing a growing online sophistication as evidenced by the various Internet activities, like researching, sending e-mail, sharing files, and even buying online NCC employees are also using and appreciating e-Government services offered by government. Clearly revealed in the study is that the respondents believe that e-Government will vastly improve the way the government operates. However, they also feel that the budget crisis may slow down the development of e-Government. They also thing that security issues must be resolved for e-Government to flourish. Aside from lack of financial resources and security issues, there is also concern about lack of political leadership and will.

Despite these concerns however, NCC employee’s confidence on the government’s ability to implement e-Government. They think that e-Government is achievable. The study also revealed that demographic variables like age, gender, level of education, years of service and others, have no significant effect on their view of e-Government. The study recommended several policies for e-government to make a substantial impact, like the interconnection of government networks, a policy for government agencies to outsource their ICT requirements to the private sector, and enjoining government agencies to deliver information and services through the government portal. Other policy recommendations are delivery of information and services through mobile technology, the adaptation of a national ID system, and the establishment of community e-Centers nationwide.

To complement this study, the researcher also recommends that a study on the effectiveness of government efforts to advocate and propagate e-Government among the public sector employees be conducted. Another study on the impact of e-Government on public sector employees is also recommended.