Designing a Model for Promoting the Transparency of the Administrative System in Interaction with the Development Programs of E-Government (Case Study: Social Security Organization)

 The primary factor contributing to administrative corruption in the country is the lack of transparency and accountability of the government and its subsidiaries toward the public. The lack of attention to the transparency of Iranian public organizations over the years has resulted in irreparable damage to the country. In recent years, substantial financial and administrative corruption cases have emerged in governmental agencies nearly every few months. Thus, this research addresses a fundamental issue within the country, as a majority of the public has personally experienced these challenges and irregularities when interacting with public organizations. This study aims to present a model for enhancing administrative transparency in alignment with e-government development programs.

Design/ methodology/ approach: 

Since few studies have been conducted on the transparency of the administrative system in relation to e-government development programs, the nature of this research is exploratory, and the approach is qualitative. Specifically, it utilizes a case study strategy focused on the Social Security Organization. The research population includes elites and academic experts within the Social Security Organization. No sample size calculation was required because the qualitative sample was purposefully selected. The researcher used a snowball sampling technique to reach theoretical saturation, achieving it after conducting semi-structured interviews with 12 experts. The study employed thematic analysis to propose and validate a model titled “Model for Enhancing Administrative Transparency in Interaction with E-Government Development Programs.” Participant validation was used to ensure construct validity. Internal validity was established by comparing the experience-based model generated from coding, categorization, and qualitative data analysis with the anticipated model derived from theoretical subjects. To ensure the reliability of the qualitative part of the research and theoretical saturation, the agreement test based on the correlation matrix of the agreement of opinions between the interviewees and the diagram of two coders have been used. Additionally, the data analysis was performed using the Maxqda qualitative analysis software, version 2020.

 The research findings revealed nine main themes. The sub-themes for the first main theme (Organizational Culture and Atmosphere) include organizational values, organizational trust, motivational practices, and superior organizational atmosphere. Sub-themes for the second main theme (Administrative Structure and Processes) include structural and process integration, decentralization, and administrative process reform. Sub-themes for the third main theme (Managerial Factors) include appropriate leadership style, financial management, human resource management, and IT management. Sub-themes for the fourth main theme (Environmental Factors) include the economic environment, cultural environment, government and legal institutions, and the political environment. Sub-themes for the fifth main theme (Managerial Supervision) include hierarchical supervision, inspector supervision, and digital supervision. Sub-themes for the sixth main theme (Public Supervision) include individual monitoring, media oversight, and supervision by NGOs. Sub-themes for the seventh main theme (Public Accountability) include establishing an accountable structure, stakeholder accountability, and promoting a culture of accountability. Sub-themes for the eighth main theme (Establishment of E-Government) include e-service delivery, e-information dissemination, e-accountability, and e-participation. Sub-themes for the ninth main theme (Growth and Development of the Social Security Organization) include dynamism and flourishing, growth in organizational profitability, human resource growth and development, and improving organizational and staff performance.

Limitations & Consequences:

 Due to time constraints, this article only focuses on the Social Security Organization (selected for accessibility as the research population).

Practical Consequences:

 This research's findings benefit the Social Security Organization, all companies within this sector, and generally to all governmental and private organizations within the country.

Innovation or value:

 of the Article Given the limited studies on administrative transparency in interaction with e-government development programs, this study employs a qualitative research approach, specifically a case study strategy in the Social Security Organization.