Is e-governance reduce poverty and enhancing social welfare? Analyzing the efficiency of public service delivery, digital literacy, and accessibility
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.71085/joclsi.03.01.53Keywords:
E-governance, Poverty Reduction, Social Welfare, Efficiency of Public Service Delivery, Digital Literacy , AccessibilityAbstract
This study investigates the role of e-governance in reducing poverty and enhancing social welfare, focusing on the mediating effect of public service delivery efficiency and the moderating role of digital literacy and accessibility. Using a quantitative cross-sectional research design, data were collected from 242 stakeholders in Pakistan, including government officials, beneficiaries of e-governance initiatives, and IT professionals. Structured questionnaires were employed to measure e-governance implementation, poverty reduction, social welfare improvements, public service efficiency, and digital literacy. SPSS and AMOS were used to analyze the collected data. The data were analyzed using Descriptive statistics, correlation, regression, and mediation-moderation techniques. Findings reveal that e-governance significantly influences poverty reduction (β = 0.38, p < 0.001) and social welfare improvements, mediated by public service efficiency (β = 0.22, p < 0.001). Digital literacy and accessibility moderate this relationship, with higher digital skills enhancing e-governance outcomes (β = 0.60, p < 0.001). The study underscores the importance of digital inclusion and efficient public service delivery in maximizing the socio-economic benefits of e-governance. These results provide valuable insights for policymakers to design inclusive digital governance frameworks, emphasizing investments in digital infrastructure and literacy programs to achieve sustainable development goals.
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The data that support the findings of this study are available from the corresponding author upon reasonable request.
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