Stakeholder Views of Process Automation as an Enabler of Prioritized Value Ideals in a Swedish Municipality

Authors

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.29379/jedem.v14i2.726

Keywords:

automation, public sector, municipality, stakeholder theory, public value

Abstract

Municipalities in Sweden are recommended to pursue process automation to face upcoming societal challenges. This paper focuses on a case where these recommendations are operationalized. Views on process automation held by different stakeholders, in relation to value ideals they prioritize in their respective areas of work, are explored by combining stakeholder theory and a model of public value ideals. Our findings show that, different stakeholder groups prioritize different values and that their views on process automation as an enabler of these value ideals are either optimistic, undecided, or pessimistic, where the latter two can be considered obstacles. This paper contributes, with an empirical illustration of how process automation is operationalized, answering previous calls for more research on this topic. We also elaborate on the use of stakeholder theory and public value as an analytical lens, contributing to the growing body of research attempting to understand process automation.

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Author Biographies

Daniel Toll, Linköping University

Daniel Toll has a background in cognitive science and information systems and is currently working towards his PhD in information systems at Linköping University, Sweden. His research is focused on how the use of artificial intelligence and automation technologies in public sector organizations affects society.

Ida Lindgren, Linköping University

Ida Lindgren is an associate professor in Information Systems, Linköping University, Sweden. She conducts research on information systems development in the public-sector context. Her work is published in e.g. Government Information Quarterly, Transforming Government – People, Process, Policy, and in proceedings from several IS conferences and the IFIP Electronic Government conference.

Ulf Melin, Linköping University

Ulf Melin is a full professor in Information Systems, Linköping University, Sweden. His research is focused on public sector digitalization. Ulf is active in several IS conferences and has published in e.g. Government Information Quarterly, Transforming Government – People, Process and Policy, International Journal of Electronic Governance, International Journal of Public Information Systems.

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Published

23.12.2022

How to Cite

Toll, D., Lindgren, I., & Melin, U. (2022). Stakeholder Views of Process Automation as an Enabler of Prioritized Value Ideals in a Swedish Municipality. JeDEM - EJournal of EDemocracy and Open Government, 14(2), 32–56. https://doi.org/10.29379/jedem.v14i2.726