Exploring Local Governance and E-Services in Qatar

Abstract

Properly implemented, e-government enables improved government efficiency and greater engagement with citizens. The State of Qatar has implemented many e-government initiatives but little has been done to investigate their progress. This study aims to bridge the knowledge gap by shedding the light on a specific e-government initiative: the Baladiya application system, the electronic service for municipalities. It uses qualitative data from semi-structured interviews conducted with the director of customer service in each of the municipalities in Qatar. An inductive approach allowed findings to emerge. E-government provides a broad array of services to local users however three main aspects remain problematic. First, the high quantity but low quality of information received from users via e-government hinders the customer relations. Second, while services are readily available, e-government channels are not widely adopted. Finally, the complex process for service delivery contributes to create a relatively opaque user experience.