Investigating the drivers of cybersecurity enhancement in public organizations: The case of Jordan

Electronic government systems are broadly recognized in the modern era as useful and valid means of delivering e-services. As the importance and prevalence of e-government services have grown, increasing attention has necessarily been placed on the cybersecurity of electronic programs. Multiple drivers have been identified as contributing to the enhancement of cybersecurity, however, there is limited empirical research confirming these drivers. The main aims of this study are to investigate the drivers of e-government cybersecurity enhancement and determine the impact of cybersecurity on the effectiveness of e-government systems. The study constructs were extracted from the human–organization–technology (HOT) theory and institutional theory. A total of 500 questionnaires were randomly distributed to information technology department staff members and e-government officials in Jordanian ministries. The resulting data were analyzed using a structural equation modeling approach. The findings indicate that technical measures, the role of senior management, coercive pressures, and memetic pressures are important drivers for enhanced cybersecurity levels in governmental organizations. The results also show that enhancing cybersecurity levels in organizations promote the effectiveness of e-government services. These conclusions offer researchers and practitioners insight as to the drivers of an enhanced cybersecurity and the importance of cybersecurity in e-government as a whole.