Abstract
Purpose. The growing use of electronic government (e-government) serves as an innovative method through which the public sector connects to the public in a digital age. However, crime victim compensation programs (VCPs) vary in e-government implementation, functionality, and viability among states. This study examined the degree to which each state VCP implemented e-government and identified important factors associated with a state's likelihood to use e-government to its fullest potential. Theoretical framework. Perspectives from e-government evolution theory, technology enactment framework, West's (2004) stages of e-government transformation, and Chen and Hsieh's (2009) e-governance performance framework offered theoretical support. Methodology. This study used a multimethod approach with quantitative and qualitative techniques. The researcher performed a content analysis of state VCP websites, encoded the results, and identified the e-government stage (billboard, partial service delivery, portal, and interactive democracy) of each state VCP. Based on e-government performance, 4 state VCPs were selected for a multistate case study. Data analysis used descriptive data and examined archival data of state VCPs, with particular focus on e-governance driving factors (institutional, organizational, and technological factors). Findings. All state VCPs implemented all key features of the billboard stage of e-government. Thirty-two (64%) state VCPs performed firmly at the partial service delivery (PSD) stage. Forty-one (82%) state VCPs solidly displayed at least 3 (out of 5) features of the portal stage of e-government. Only 3 (6%) state VCPs displayed 1 key feature of the interactive democracy stage. Four state VCPs stood out as top e-government performers, with each displaying institutional, organizational, and technological factors driving them toward e-government implementation and delivery of e-governance. Conclusion and Recommendations. While an overwhelming majority of state VCPs successfully implement e-government at the portal stage, public administrators have room to improve. Future research may focus on the strength of driving forces on e-government implementation to support standardization, increased functionality, and viability. Resistance or inability to embrace, adopt, or implement new innovative strategies to the public may be construed as a disservice to the very public the government was built to serve.