Realizing joined-up government - Dynamic capabilities and stage models for transformation

Joining up remains a high priority on the e-government agenda and requires extensive transformation. Stage models are predictable patterns which exist in the growth of organizations and unfold as discrete time periods that result in discontinuity and can help e-government development towards joined-up government. Although stage models may be conceptually appealing, these models are often not empirically validated, do not transcend the level of individual organizations, and provide little practical support to policymakers. Furthermore, they do not include the dynamic capabilities needed by organizations to transform from one stage to the next stage. In this paper, a five-stage model is presented that describes the progression from stove-piped situations towards a nationwide, customer-oriented, and joined-up government. The dynamic capabilities needed for realizing each stage are identified. This model is empirically validated and helps government agencies benchmark their position, realize their role in the formation of a joined-up government, develop the necessary capabilities, and adopt centrally developed infrastructural facilities aimed at moving to the next stage. We found that growth stages are useful for providing guidance and can be used by policymakers to stimulate the developments of capabilities needed by organizations to migrate from one stage to another. (C) 2008 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.