Digital technologies and governance: Analyzing the impact of e-government on corruption reduction and social integrity

Digital technology has increasingly been recognized as a transformative force, significantly reshaping various sectors of society, particularly in the realm of governance. Its integration into governmental processes has been driven by the need for enhanced responsiveness, efficiency, and transparency in addressing the complex challenges faced by modern administrations. This study was undertaken to examine the role of digital technology—specifically electronic governance (EG)—in promoting good governance through the reduction of corruption and the strengthening of social integrity. In particular, mechanisms through which EG contributes to Corruption Reduction (CR) and the enhancement of Social Integrity (SI) were explored, with special attention to the mediating roles of Public Trust (PT) and the adoption of E-Government Academy (EGA) systems. Data were collected from 260 respondents, comprising policymakers, EGA service users, and government employees, through the administration of a comprehensive questionnaire. The instrument was designed to assess several constructs, including Accountability (AC), Behavioral Intention (BI), Public Trust (PT), Corruption Reduction (CR), Transparency (TR), E-Government Adoption (EGA), and Social Integrity (SI). Statistical analyses, including reliability testing, correlation analysis, and regression analysis, were conducted to evaluate the relationships among these variables. The results indicated that EG plays a significant role in reducing corruption. Moreover, PT was identified as a crucial mediating factor between EG and SI. It was also found that the implementation of EGA systems positively influences the adoption of transparency practices, thereby contributing to the advancement of social integrity. These findings underscore the vital function of EG in combating corruption and in establishing a transparent and accountable governance framework. Accordingly, policy recommendations have been proposed to strengthen the implementation and expansion of EG systems in order to maximize their potential for fostering good governance and mitigating corruption.