E-Governance and Effective Management of COVID-19 in Saudi Arabia, (in Retail Private Sector an Employees Perspective)

Abstract

This study examines the impact of e-governance on managing COVID-19 pandemic within the automotive private sector in Saudi Arabia from the employees' perspective. Using a descriptive analytical approach, data was collected via a questionnaire distributed to a sample of private sector employees. A sample comprised of 365 individuals was gathered from 7 companies operating in the private automotive sector, with a total workforce of 6,000 employees. The results indicate that e-governance played a pivotal role in enhancing governmental operation efficiency, expediting decisions, fostering inter-agency collaboration, and strengthening communication channels with society, which greatly assisted the automotive private sector in efficiently conducting its operations. These improvements were critical in elevating public awareness and enacting effective preventive strategies. Statistically, the Kingdom's e-governance initiatives were reflected in a lower infection rate (9 Per 1000 individuals) and a mortality rate (1%) below the global average (3.47%) as of August 2020. Employees recognized that e-governance facilitated better access to information and services, leading to informed decision-making and improved workplace conditions. Consequently, this supported swift economic recovery aided by financial incentives. The study concludes that e-governance was integral to Saudi Arabia's successful management of the pandemic, marked by the implementation of stringent health measures, the enactment of targeted legislation, and the strategic application of technology across sectors. This reflected positively on the effective management of operations within private sector companies in the automotive industry. This study recommends further development and expansion of e-governance, leveraging advanced technologies and raising awareness to consolidate its role in crisis management. Saudi Arabia's management of the pandemic emerges as a commendable international model, showcasing the efficacious use of e-governance to safeguard community health during a crisis