Abstract
During the last few years, government institutions and agencies around the world have been adopting Open Government Data (OGD) initiatives to achieve political, social, economic, cultural and institutional benefits. This study aims to investigate the motivational factors for adopting OGD among government institutions in Saudi Arabia. A qualitative research approach was used to guide the research and the data was collected using interviews and documentation. The results of the study are interpreted and explained using elements from institutional theory. It shows that the adoption of OGD is influenced by existing institutional arrangements, and that the institutional changes that are occurring in the country such as the Saudi Vision 2030, the approval of the Freedom of information Act 2016, and anti-corruption campaigns have contributed positively to the transition from culture of secrecy to openness. In addition, the initiative is influenced by internal and external institutional pressures. Furthermore, the organizations studied perceived several benefits, which can be described as rationalized myths of the OGD such as transparency and accountability, better access to government data, support for innovation, improved government services, operational benefits and encouragement of participation. Based on the findings, the study provides some theoretical and practical implications regarding OGD adoption in government sittings.
•The principles of open government including transparency, accountability and public engagement can be transmitted through institutional carriers such as symbolic systems (OGD adoption)•Rationalized myths can influence the decision to adopt OGD.•OGD is relevant to closed governments and can contribute positively to the move from a culture of secrecy to openness.•Existing institutional arrangements affect and shape how OGD is adopted.