Public websites’ contents and their implications in mandated functions: A case of Tanzania local government authorities

Abstract

To share information and offer services as well as enhance administrative transparency, the local government authorities (LGAs) are increasingly relying on public websites. Nonetheless, the extent to which the content of websites makes the smooth execution of legally mandated local government operations possible, particularly in developing countries, is still unknown. This paper examines the performance of the LGAs in Tanzania based on the accessibility, relevance of functionality, and scope of the content on the government websites, and it was guided by public value theory and the Technology-Organization-Environment (TOE) framework. The study employs a quantitative explanatory method using stratified and purposive sampling techniques to select respondents and get an overall sample of 312 respondents. The data were collected using a structured questionnaire administered through survey data among LGA officials responsible for information management, planning, administrative coordination, and other stakeholders. The data were analysed using partial least squares structural equation modelling (PLS-SEM) to test mediating, moderating, and direct relationships among the constructs. The findings indicate that comprehensive and beneficial web content is very helpful in enhancing citizen engagement, accountability, transparency, and service delivery. The correlation between the scope of content and the necessary level of functional performance of the websites is moderated to some degree by the functional relevance, but the influence of the functional relevance on the outcomes of the performance is moderated positively by the institutional capacity. The study comes to the conclusion that government websites must be accessible, relevant, and of high quality in order for digital governance to be effective. To increase transparency and citizen involvement, the report advises LGAs to invest in institutional and technological capabilities, improve website content management, and create explicit standards for online information sharing. The study provides empirical evidence in the field of e-government research, besides providing policy-relevant insights to enhance the local government’s digital communication strategies in resource-constrained settings. A number of useful recommendations can be made based on the outcomes. LGAs need to change the focus on their websites to lessen their emphasis on announcements and PR and focus more on mandate-led content, focusing on service standards, budgets, procurement notices, performance reports, and citizen participation mechanisms. Standardised content guidelines to be followed by all LGA websites need to be developed by national bodies like PO-RALG and the e-Government Authority in order to maintain minimum standards of disclosure and quality. The usability and accessibility based on the user-centred design, frequent content updates, mobile-based interfaces, and bilingualism (Kiswahili/English) should be paid specific attention to close the digital gaps and positively influence the stakeholders.