The impact of cultural and social factors on the success of e-governance systems in Kuwait.

This study examines the socio-cultural, economic, technological, and regulatory factors influencing the nature of adoption and accessibility of e-governance in Kuwait. A dual-methods approach integrating interviews (22) and focus group discussions (4) was used. Findings reveal that low levels of public awareness, digital literacy gaps, and institutional mistrust hinder engagement, disproportionately affecting marginalised groups such as older adults, people with disabilities, and less-educated individuals like the immigrant workers. The COVID-19 pandemic accelerated use of government platforms like Sahel and Q8 Seha, yet reliance on informal networks and social media persists due to perceived inefficiencies in official websites, alongside concerns over security, bureaucratic delays, and multi-step approval processes. The research highlights systemic disparities in access and institutional support, worsened by cultural resistance to innovation and inadequate digital education in schools. The study proposes policy reforms prioritizing user-friendly, multilingual platforms, structured digital literacy programs, and inclusive frameworks that engage marginalised communities. Recommendations emphasise adaptive governance, modernised infrastructure, and inter agency collaboration to reduce bureaucratic inefficiencies and bridge the digital divide. The study presents a sustainable e-governance adoption framework for Kuwait that uses evidence-based policies and context-specific strategies to enhance public digital service engagement, transparency and access for citizens.

Grantor dc:publisher.institution

Robert Gordon University

Year dc:date.issued

2026

Author dc:creator

• Al-Omran, Sarah Jassim Ali

Advisor dc:contributor.advisor

• Marcella, R. McLennan, A. and Kamudyariwa, X.

• E-governance adoption
• Digital literacy gaps
• Institutional mistrust
• Marginalised groups
• Digital divide
• Inclusive reform policy

Language dc:language

en

Identifier

oai:rgu-repository.worktribe.com:3315643
https://doi.org/10.48526/rgu-wt-3315643

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:rgu-repository.worktribe.com:3315643