Does trust in e-government influence the performance of e-government? An integration of information system success model and public value theory

Purpose This study aims to examine the usefulness of trust in e-government to influence the use and success of e-government services within the context of the information system (IS) success model and public value theory. Design/methodology/approach The study proposed a conceptual model comprising 17 hypotheses tested using structural equation modelling-partial least squares. Data was collected through a structured questionnaire from 369 e-government users from Nigeria. Findings The results show that trust in e-government is directly influenced by all information quality, service quality and actual use. Also, trust in e-government predicts the public value of e-government, among other variables. Trust in e-government mediates the relationship between the quality dimensions and the public value of e-government. Also, the quality dimensions predict the actual use and user satisfaction with e-government. The most significant effect was established in the relationship between trust in e-government and the public value of e-government. Research limitations/implications This study used a targeted and small sample size compared to the teledensity of Nigeria, limiting analysis that might influence the relevance of the variables’ relationships. Other individual characteristics such as self-efficacy and access to information and communication technologies (ICT) and digital literacy were not included in the study. Practical implications It is expected that public service managers and ICT implementers would learn and take advantage of the system’s strengths and limitations and resolve expectations to enhance its value. Originality/value This study extended the DeLone and Mclean IS success model to incorporate public values as the net benefits of e-government. The public value of e-government was treated as a second-order construct.