Aligning stakeholder goals for effective information security in e-government systems: A grounded theory approach

Authors: Chia-ping Yu; Christina Ling-hsing Chang; Hsun-Yuan Hsu

Journal: Corporate Management Review. Dec. 2024, 44(2): 39-79

Keywords: Information system security, common goal, stakeholder, grounded theory

Abstract:
The e-government system operates autonomously, providing a comprehensive array of services to government personnel. It is essential to consider the costs associated with information security incidents, which include expenses, capital investments, and personnel within the e-government system. The primary objective of this research has been to identify security goals among primary stakeholders in the e-government system, with a particular emphasis on E-Net. Interviews were conducted with 13 participants from five disparate stakeholder groups through selective sampling. The interview data was analyzed using grounded theory methodology. There are several findings: first, security management is crucial in ensuring the integrity of data and promoting system effectiveness. Cooperation among stakeholders in the E-Net system leads to skillful interweaving of common goals, management mechanisms, and resources. Second, satisfaction is a significant factor in optimizing system performance, as technical units, business units, and vendors analyze security requirements, design systems, and provide clear operational processes. Third, system security goals foster awareness and promote its value among technical and business units, directing them to participate in security control activities. Operational processes and control activities help maintain data integrity and system security. This paper explores the importance of common goals in IS security projects, highlighting their role in aligning stakeholders' goals, adjusting management processes, and defining security rules.