A Critical Analysis of E‑government Evaluation Models at National and Local Municipal Levels

Abstract

Abstract: The importance of e‑government models lies in their offering a basis to measure and guide e‑government. There is still no agreement on how to assess a government online. Most of the e‑government models are not based on research, nor are they validated. In most countries, e‑government has not reached higher stages of growth. Several scholars have shown a confusing picture of e‑government. What is lacking is an in‑depth analysis of e‑government models. Responding to the need for such an analysis, this study identifies the strengths and weaknesses of major national and local e‑government evaluation models. The common limitations of most models are focusing on the government and not the citizen, missing qualitative measures, constructing the e‑equivalent of a bureaucratic administration, and defining general criteria without sufficient validations. In addition, this study has found that the metrics defined for national e‑government are not suitable for municipalities, and most of the existing studies have focused on national e‑governments even though local ones are closer to citizens. There is a need for developing a good theoretical model for both national and local municipal e‑government.