Mobile government services acceptance in developing countries: the case of Bangladesh

Abstract

Mobile government also known as m-government is increasingly becoming a familiar fixture in virtual landscapes following the e-government era. M-government is now extending its reach to farmers, students and citizens through provisions of targeted services such as, m-agriculture, m-education, m-health and m-disaster management. However, researchers recognise the problem of low-level acceptance of m-government services among citizens especially in rural areas. This study addresses this gap by investigating the factors that influence acceptance of m-government in Bangladesh using an integrated model. This study extends the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT) model by adding a set of political, cultural and trust related constructs derived from different literatures such as, perceived good governance and less corruption, perceived public values, culture and trustworthiness. This research used quantitative approaches based on data collected via questionnaires. The target population for this study includes farmers, students, public/private employees and household members in Bangladesh. The findings revealed that the Performance Expectancy, Perceived Public Value, Culture (language) and Perceived Good Governance and Less Corruption were found to have significant effect on intention to use m-government services. In contrast, we found that Effort Expectancy, Trustworthiness, Facilitating Condition and Social Influence did not significantly affect intention. The outcome of this study will assist the government in implementing m-government services in Bangladesh and other developing countries. This study suggests that the government can initiate m-government services those are valued by the citizens, reduce corruption and promote good governance. In addition, the outcomes of this study will add to the body of knowledge by providing an extended UTAUT model by integrating some contextual factors that affect the intention to use m-government services in developing countries.