Public value (PV) is a debatable topic with different definitions across the public administration literature and e-government literature. Public value is seen as the last paradigm of both public administration and e-government studies, redefining the definition of e-government, its aims, success indicators and evaluation frameworks. Existing implementations are typically biased towards the realisation of efficiency and service effectiveness, with far less attention being paid to the delivery of PV. In addition, PVrelated e-government studies have not presented a comprehensive and holistic framework to investigate e-government PV. This study seeks to address this gap by investigating how e-government facilitates the creation of PV. A qualitative approach was used using theme analysis of interviews and focus groups along with archived documents. The study is an analysis of a PV-based e-government initiative undertaken in Oman. The majority of PV research and models have been developed from established democracies with PV research in emerging democracies lacking. This bias leave PV creation model unchallenged or understudied, and does not explain how e-government can create PV in less established democracies. The findings of this study resulted in a new e-government PV creation model which presents the creation process as an iterative and continuous learning process that aims to align citizen PV perceptions with an organisation’s operational capabilities using an appropriate authorising environment. This thesis contributes insights into the mechanism by which e-government can produce PV in an emerging democracy. The study adds a new perspective on the nature of the authorising environment to advance PV theory. The findings from the study also provide guidance to improve the operational capabilities necessary to enhance PV creation.

Public value (PV) is a debatable topic with different definitions across the public administration literature and e-government literature. Public value is seen as the last paradigm of both public administration and e-government studies, redefining the definition of e-government, its aims, success...