Electronic government (e-Government) is the use of internet-based technology in the public sector. E-Government is often associated with an emerging value paradigm that describes changes in how the public sector should work. The new paradigm, digital-era governance has three characteristics: reintegration, needs-based holism and digitization. In parallel with the potentials associated with new technology, concerns are also raised about potential negative consequences. The public sector is ill-suited for collaborative and seamless solutions: constitutional safe guards including laws and regulations, jurisdictional and organizational borders are hostile environments for inter-organizational digital solutions. These safe guards are established to protect democracy by dividing power, prevent corruption and protect the individual. Hence, the new paradigm might upset the constitutional balance. Furthermore, several e-Government initiatives have failed during the years, and the promised benefits have not been established. Moreover, even though the potential negative consequences and high failure rates, research on risk in e-Government is sparse.
Against this backdrop, the aim of this paper is to study the notion of risk in e-Government. The purpose is to achieve an overview of themes associated with risk research in the domain. Through a literature study, 89 papers were found. They were analyzed using an interpretative, thematic analysis. Two contrasting themes were found:
The first theme is most common in the findings: risk is associated with gaining user trust for increased adoption of electronic services. User perceptions about security and privacy are described as subjective risks in this context, sometimes in contrast to objective risks. Furthermore, according to this view, organizations, policies and people need to adapt to the emergent digital technology. Several papers present categorizes of barriers to successful e-Government implementation in this theme.
The other theme is often expressed through papers reflecting on the uncertainty that comes with new technology. Risks are associated with uncertain outcomes: for example, CCTV surveillance might be used to fight crime, as well as monitor civilian behavior. In this theme, questions about transparency, who governs and have the prerogative to interpret are also prominent.
The paper concludes with discussion implications for further research on risk in the e-Government domain.