Cultural Lenses on Digital Governance: Examining the Factors Influencing the Penetration Level of Government Portals in China and South Korea

Cultural Lenses on Digital Governance: Examining the Factors Influencing the Penetration Level of Government Portals in China and South Korea

This study utilizes Hofstede's cultural model to compare the penetration level of government portal in China and South Korea. By collecting questionnaire data and applying structural equation modeling for analysis, the research emphasizes the role of cultural dimensions in shaping the factors and mechanisms influencing the penetration level of government portals. The study reveals three findings: (1) Four cultural dimensions (collectivism, long-term orientation, constraint, and masculinity/femininity) affect the penetration level of government portals in Beijing and Seoul. (2) Masculinity (Beijing) and femininity (Seoul) mediate the relationship between collectivism, long-term orientation, and the penetration level of government portals. (3) Collectivism directly and indirectly influences the penetration level of government portals in Beijing, while only directly affecting Seoul; long-term orientation has an indirect impact on Beijing's government portal penetration level, and both direct and indirect effects on Seoul. These findings highlight the importance of considering cultural dimensions in the effectiveness of government portal. Governments should develop culturally adaptive government portals and provide culturally adaptive e-government services to better meet public demands.