The effectiveness of internal communications as part of the eGovernment transformation plan in the Ministry of Information in Oman

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Al-Kindi, HA, 2019. The effectiveness of internal communications as part of the eGovernment transformation plan in the Ministry of Information in Oman. DBA, Nottingham Trent University.

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Abstract

The Sultanate of Oman's eGovernment Transformation Plan is a national project that aims to fully transform government transactions to ensure a sustainable, well-informed society. More governments around the globe are embracing the phenomenon of the eGovernment Transformation Plan, hoping to reduce costs, enhance services for civilians, and improve impact and productivity in the public sector. The eGovernment Transformation Plan involves an essential shift both within a government and in the relationship between a government and its workers. Since the plan's adoption in 2012, no prior study (to the best of the author's knowledge) has examined the impact of the internal communication system in any Omani government entity. This research analyses qualitative information gathered from interviewing 20 employees of the Ministry of Information (MOI) and reviewing the eGovernment Transformation Plan of the MOI’s official statement.

An interpretivist philosophy is employed to deepen the understanding of communication and how interactions influence the organisational culture of the MOI. An analysis of interviews reveals a positive effect, as work in the MOI has become faster and more comfortable, with overall work routines becoming more transparent through the move towards eGovernment. The employees were satisfied by the system in regard to crediting and recognising employee contributions, although face-to-face communication remains an essential tool. Moreover, the electronic system has been affected negatively by the MOI's hierarchical structure, which also impacted employee satisfaction depending on their positions and task. The findings showed that the electronic communication system did not improve the work environment in terms of employee feedback, whether it included performance evaluation feedback or employee operational feedback. Regarding the organisational culture within the MOI, some senior employees have shown resistance to the electronic system as they fear losing their authority and power in the organisation. However, a gender-based analysis revealed the positive impact of eGovernment on workplace gender relations at the MOI. The results illustrate a general appreciation of women’s roles and support in the MOI workplace.

Item Type:	Thesis
Creators:	Al-Kindi, H.A.
Date:	November 2019
Divisions:	Schools > Nottingham Business School
Record created by:	Linda Sullivan
Date Added:	05 Aug 2021 11:48
Last Modified:	05 Aug 2021 11:49
URI:	https://irep.ntu.ac.uk/id/eprint/43801