Digital Public Financial Management Systems and Fiscal Transparency in an Emerging Economy: Role of Stakeholder Engagement (Published)
The study investigated the moderating effects of stakeholder engagement on the relationship between digital public financial management systems and fiscal transparency in the public sector of Bayelsa State. The study grounded on technology acceptance theory and quantitative research design was adopted with a population of 820 individuals with knowledge in digital public sector financial management systems and a sample size of 385 was determined using Cochran formula. Data was collected through structured questionnaires after conducting validity and reliability tests to ensure the quality and consistency of the research instrument. The data was analysed using univariate, bivariate and multivariate analytical techniques. The findings revealed a positive and statistically significant relationship between digital infrastructure readiness, information system adoption, digital transparency and accountability, digital governance and financial analytics, human capacity and digital competence and budget transparency. Furthermore, stakeholder engagement was found to have a positive and significant moderating effect on the relationship between digital financial management systems and fiscal transparency. The study concludes that strengthening digital capabilities, promoting stakeholder participation, and enhancing institutional digital competence are critical for improving fiscal openness and budget transparency in the public sector.
Keywords: budget transparency, digital financial management systems, digital governance and analytics, digital infrastructure readiness, fiscal transparency, stakeholder engagement