Exploring the antecedents and consequences of smart governance using the fuzzy Delphi method (FDM)

 The present study aimed to identify the antecedents and consequences of smart governance using the fuzzy Delphi method.

Design/Methodology/Approach: 

The present study is a mixed-method one that was conducted using a deductive-inductive approach. It is also an applied study in terms of its objective and a descriptive survey study in terms of the design and methodology. The research population included all experts in the field of governance. Accordingly, 26 experts were selected based on the principle of theoretical adequacy and using purposive sampling. In the qualitative part of the study, semi-structured interviews were conducted to collect data. In addition, in the quantitative part, a pairwise comparison questionnaire was used to collect data. The validity and reliability of the questionnaire were confirmed via content validity and test-retest method. In the qualitative part, the data collected from the interviews were analyzed using ATLAS.ti software and the indexing method. Besides, in the quantitative part of the study, the antecedents and consequences of smart governance were ranked using the fuzzy Delphi method.

 A comparison of the precedents of smart governance showed that smart infrastructure, smart interaction, e-government and e-governance, rule of law, smart people and organization, smart management, information-based smartening, knowledge society, smart security, creating agility, openness, decision-making, public guidance, rationalism, creativity, and re-engineering of processes were ranked as the most important factors, respectively. It was also shown that efficiency and effectiveness, sustainable development, cost reduction, reducing corruption, increasing transparency, inclusive justice and ethics, protection of civil rights, building e-democracy, cooperation and data exchange, comprehensive information systems and information sharing, revision of rules, instant/immediate response to challenges, achieving unity, and improving quality of life were the most important consequences of smart government, respectively. The insights from this study can contribute to establishing smart governance.

Limitations & Consequences:

 This study was conducted with some shortcomings including the difficulty in accessing the experts, and lack of similar studies in the literature, and limited research on the concept of smart governance.

Practical Consequences:

 The findings of this study can contribute to developing a model of smart governance and implementing it in Iran.

Innovation or value of the Article:

 Since the present article deals with the concept of smart governance and identifies and ranks its precedents and consequences, it helps to understand this concept more deeply and provides ideas for its implementation in the country.