Barriers to successful application of information technology in Botswana

Mogotlhwane, TM

Abstract

This research looked at barriers to successful applications of information and communication technology (ICT) in Botswana. Botswana has high investments in ICT infrastructure development in the public service. However, there is still concern about service delivery not being satisfactory. Many departmental functions are still performed manually despite the availability of computers and people capable of using them.

The research question addressed is why there is lack of exploitation of ICT in the Botswana public sector. Two government departments based in the capital city were selected as case studies and investigated using questionnaires and semi structured interviews to determine the status of employee relations and ICT use. Questionnaires were used to solicit satisfaction perception of the general public about public service using a sample of capital city population.

This research revealed a digital divide within Botswana. Within the public sector, computer penetration as well as internet access is very high as there is 1 computer for every 2 employees. For the general public, computer ownership is low as about 28% of the population have computers at home. Despite availability of computers in the public service, members of the public experience delay when they seek service. Motivation and payment are biggest problem regarding employee relations. ICT support is satisfactory though this might be due to low level of ICT use. Fear of change is the main limiting factor to ICT exploitation in Botswana.

It was found that maintenance cost of ICT infrastructure is in the order of 8 times the national average salary. A framework is proposed to help policy makers on how best to exploit existing ICT infrastructure. Botswana has remained at the first level of ICT exploitation for over 10 years. Suggestions are made as to how the next level could be reached and future research is also discussed.

Citation

Mogotlhwane, T. Barriers to successful application of information technology in Botswana. (Thesis). University of Salford

• Thesis Type: Thesis
• Deposit Date: Feb 9, 2009
• Publicly Available Date: Feb 9, 2009
• Additional Information: Funders : University of Botswana
• Award Date: Oct 1, 2008