Content area
Full Text
This study utilizes Hofstede's cultural model to compare the penetration level of government portal in China and South Korea. By collecting questionnaire data and applying structural equation modeling for analysis, the research emphasizes the role of cultural dimensions in shaping the factors and mechanisms influencing the penetration level of government portals. The study reveals three findings: (1) Four cultural dimensions (collectivism, long-term orientation, constraint, and masculinity/femininity) affect the penetration level of government portals in Beijing and Seoul. (2) Masculinity (Beijing) and femininity (Seoul) mediate the relationship between collectivism, long-term orientation, and the penetration level of government portals. (3) Collectivism directly and indirectly influences the penetration level of government portals in Beijing, while only directly affecting Seoul; long-term orientation has an indirect impact on Beijing's government portal penetration level, and both direct and indirect effects on Seoul. These findings highlight the importance of considering cultural dimensions in the effectiveness of government portal. Governments should develop culturally adaptive government portals and provide culturally adaptive e-government services to better meet public demands.
Key Words: Cross-Cultural Research, Cultural Model, Collectivism, Long-Term Orientation, Constraint, Masculinity/Femininity; Government Portals
I. Introduction
Government portals serve as the core platform for providing e-government services and are the primary focus of Chinese and international scholars, as well as large research institutions, when conducting national and city-level evaluations of e-government services. Despite the emergence of numerous new e-government service platforms, government portals have gained public psychological recognition due to their traditional, authoritative, and reliable nature. China has invested heavily in the development of government portals for decades, aiming to enhance public service quality, promote e-government services, and encourage public participation. However, the current reality contrasts with these political ideals and administrative aspirations. To date, government portals and other e-government service platforms have not been widely adopted by the public, leading to unmet expectations on investment returns. As of December 2021, China had 14,566 government websites at various levels1. Government portals, as centralized hubs, link to comprehensive, well-performing, and publicly favored government websites, avoiding those that are poorly functioning, incomplete, or unpopular with the public. Underused websites with poor construction outcomes yield no return on investment and may face closure or idleness. This phenomenon, which leads to poor performance, is not confined to China; it is...