Smart government: analysis of dimensions from the perspective of public managers

Abstract

Recent studies show that the concept of smart government and its respective dimensions are not yet consolidated. The issue of the efficiency of public activity suggests that smart government should be recognized and better explored in public management. This study brings an original contribution to the literature, presenting an analysis of the recognition, importance, and application of the concept’s dimensions from the perspective of public managers. Adopting a qualitative and exploratory approach, operationalized through interviews with public managers in the South of Brazil, we sought to identify the dimensions of smart government that are recognized and applied by public managers. The results show the concept’s importance and its application and benefits in public administration. The findings point out the most influencital dimensions and their importance in the process, with emphasis on the organizational culture and the organization of data and public information.