Exploring the impact of national culture on the development of open government data: A cross-cultural analysis

Abstract

The development of open government data has attracted interest from academics and practitioners. However, only a few studies have examined a culture-based account of open government data development. This study empirically investigates the impact of national culture on open government data. Through the data investigation and analysis of 55 countries, this research finds that the development of open government data is positively linked with national culture with respect to individualism, indulgence and long-term orientation and is negatively related to power distance. Furthermore, this study shows that economic development moderates the relationship between national culture and open government data development, especially with respect to individualism and long-term orientation. Practically, the findings of this research can help policymakers better understand the multifaceted impacts of national culture on the development of open government data, including the promotion of cultural values (i.e. high individualism, high indulgence, and high long-term orientation) and the change in the passive and conservative attitude of citizens toward the openness of government data in countries where power distance culture is high.