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

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

The present study is a mixed-method study that was conducted using a deductive-inductive approach. It is also an applied study in terms of its objectives 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 Researcher made questionnaire was used to collect the 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 good governance were ranked using the fuzzy Delphi method (FDM).

A comparison of the precedents of smart good governance showed that smart technology and data, electronic and smart interaction, rule of law, competent and committed authorities, cyber and smart security, good smart society and citizens, smart management and executive leadership, e-architecture, smart e-government, the quality of laws and regulations, transparent governance, democratic and smart infrastructure, strategies and political stability, the strengthening of civil society, and public awareness were ranked as the most important factors, respectively. It was also shown that efficiency and effectiveness, entrepreneurship, improving quality of life and sustainable development, ethics and morality, equality and inclusive justice, downsizing, successful crisis management, immediate response to challenges, increasing closeness and compassion between government and people, reducing corruption, technological knowledge, reducing work time and administrative processes, and eliminating bureaucracy were the most important consequences of smart good government, respectively. The insights from this study can contribute to establishing smart good governance.