Navigating Multiple Crises: An Analysis of Digital Transformation in Lebanese Public Administration

Despite global advances, the digital transformation of public services in developing countries often fails to meet its objectives. This study argues that a primary reason for this is an overemphasis on technological solutions and a neglect of the broader institutional context. Through a qualitative case study of Lebanon and applying the Technology–Organization–Environment (TOE) framework, this research identifies the critical drivers and barriers to digital government transformation. The analysis demonstrates that organizational factors (e.g., leadership, inertia) and environmental factors (e.g., political will, economic crisis) are more decisive than technological capacity alone. The findings underscore that digital transformation is a fundamentally socio-technical process, where success depends on managing the complex interplay between political interests, organizational culture, and public demand. This study offers theoretical contributions by validating an integrated view of digital transformation and provides practical implications for reformers in developing nations, highlighting the need for strategies that build dynamic capabilities and navigate contentious political landscapes.