The role of digital transformation in enhancing organizational communication in the government sector: An applied study on the Saudi Ministry of Justice

Abstract

The current research aimed to investigate the impact of digital transformation on enhancing organizational communication within the government sector, with a specific application to the Saudi Ministry of Justice. The study employed a qualitative descriptive approach in data analysis, utilizing a questionnaire as the primary tool for data collection. The sample comprised 64 employees from the Saudi Ministry of Justice. The findings indicated that digital transformation has led to a substantial and positive change in the organizational communication system within the Saudi government sector, reflected by a weighted mean of 4.39. Specifically, digital transformation was found to significantly improve the development and efficiency of organizational communication in the Ministry, as evidenced by a weighted mean of 4.33. Moreover, the digital transformation process enhanced the quality and effectiveness of internal communication, with a weighted mean of 4.30. Despite these advancements, the research identified some challenges and obstacles encountered by the Ministry during the digital transformation process, which affected the adoption and implementation of digital tools and techniques in internal communication (weighted mean = 4.32). Nevertheless, digital transformation contributed to the development of digital platforms that improved the flow of internal information, accelerated the exchange of correspondence and approvals, facilitated employees' access to information, reduced operational costs, enhanced interdepartmental coordination, fostered cooperation and participation, and improved decision-making quality and the overall effectiveness of internal communication. Based on these findings, the research recommends strengthening cybersecurity measures to protect sensitive government data transmitted through both internal and external digital channels. Additionally, it suggests conducting further studies to assess the satisfaction levels of employees and beneficiaries with the Ministry’s digital communication channels.