Readiness for Artificial Intelligence Integration in Government Services: Perspectives from Ramechhap District Employees

The study aimed to investigate the perception of government services employees regarding the future perspective of AI in government services and to compare the perspectives between federal and local level employees. Research adopted objectivity methods to explore the result. Data collected from federal and local government employees in Ramechhap District, Bagmati Province of Nepal. The study revealed insights into the perception of government services employees regarding AI in government services, indicating a moderate belief in AI's potential to enhance job efficiency and a cautious optimism towards AI integration within organizations. Respondents recognized the importance of investing in AI infrastructure and training, foreseeing changes in daily tasks and increased AI usage in service tasks. Anticipation of new HR roles and a demand for flexible virtual work setups was also noted. The ANOVA results comparing federal and local level employees' perspectives on AI in government services showed no significant difference between the two groups, suggesting that the variation in perspectives was not statistically significant. This research provides valuable insights into the perceptions and expectations of government services employees regarding AI adoption and its potential impact on future work environments


INTRODUCTION
Artificial Intelligence (AI) refers to the simulation of human intelligence processes by machines, particularly computer systems (Katara & Kumawat, 2023).Artificial intelligence (AI) is an area of computer science that focuses on developing intelligent machines (G, et al., 2023).These machines don't necessarily think exactly like humans, but they can learn, solve problems, and perform tasks that typically involve some level of thinking (Huang & Peissl, 2023).AI encompasses a variety of approaches, including artificial neural networks that approximate the human brain to complex algorithm programming (Linardatos, Papastefanopoulos, & Kotsiantis, 2021).AI has a profound impact on the manufacturing, agriculture, and service sectors.AI technologies like robotics, machine learning, and computer vision are transforming manufacturing processes by increasing efficiency, improving quality control, and enabling predictive maintenance (Hussain & Pangilinan, 2023).AI-powered systems can optimize production schedules, cut downtime, and boost overall productivity (Soori, Arezoo, & Dastres, 2023).AI is transforming traditional agricultural practices by enabling precision agriculture techniques (Alazzai, Abood, Al-Jawahry, & Obaid, 2024).AI algorithms analyse data from sensors, drones, and satellites to provide information about crop health, soil conditions, and weather patterns (Alahmad, Neményi, & Nyéki, 2023).This data-driven approach enables farmers to make informed decisions about irrigation, fertilisation, and pest control, resulting in increased yields and more sustainable farming practices (Korneeva, Alamanova, Orozonova, Parmanasova, & Krayneva, 2023).AI is improving customer experiences in the service industry by utilizing chatbots, virtual assistants, and personalized recommendations (Dang & Nguyen, 2023).AI-powered systems can analyse customer data to provide personalized services, streamline operations, and automate repetitive tasks (Haleem, Javaid, Qadri, Singh, & Suman, 2022).
Globally, increasing utilization of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in government is creating a multitude of opportunities for governments across the globe.The incorporation of AI technology in government processes and public-sector ecosystems can lead to rapid changes in traditional modes of service provision, policy-making, and enforcement (Zuiderwijk, Chen, & Salem, 2021).The U.S. government has made substantial progress in the field of artificial intelligence (AI) by putting in place measures to guarantee the responsible and ethical utilization of AI (Cath, Wachter, Mittelstadt, Taddeo, & Floridi, 2018).President Joe Biden signed an executive order specifically targeting AI safeguards in order to ensure the protection of the public interest (The white house, 2023).Japan has taken the lead in making AI laws and starting AI projects.The country has put out a number of strategies and rules for AI technology, with a focus on its responsible growth, use, and management (Nitta & Satoh, 2020).China has actively participated in determining the future of AI.The country has produced policy documents defining strategic priorities for achieving ethical and legal consensus on AI among its citizens and around the globe (Roberts, Cowls, Morley, Taddeo, Wang, & Floridi, 2021).In the 2018/19 budget, the Australian government allocated more than AUD 28 million (USD 21 million) to create capabilities and support responsible AI development in Australia (Choudary, 2024).Canada is aiming to establish itself as an AI pioneer, particularly with the Pan-Canadian AI Strategy, released in March 2017 (Brandusescu, 2021).India announced their AI strategy in June 2018.The strategy makes proposals for India to become a leader in AI by enhancing human capabilities while guaranteeing social and inclusive prosperity (Chatterjee, 2020).
In the rapid adoption of AI across government organizations, understanding the future prospects of AI in Nepal's government service sectors is crucial.As AI technology continues to evolve, its integration in government services can enhance efficiency, transparency, and citizen engagement.Anticipating the future role of AI in Nepal's public sector can help policymakers make informed decisions on resource allocation and strategic planning.Monitoring and forecasting the course of AI in government sectors is essential for maximizing the benefits and addressing any challenges that may arise in the evolving landscape of technology integration.

Objective
To identify the perception of government services employees regarding future perceptive of AI in government service To measure the different between federal and local level employees on future perceptive of AI in government service

Hypothesis
There is no significance different between federal and local level employees on future perceptive of AI in government service.

METHODS
The study adopted a cross-sectional time horizon and employed a descriptive research design method.It is quantitative in nature.Fifty questionnaires were distributed in Ramechhap District, Bagmati Province of Nepal, targeting both local and federal government employees.However, only 37 questionnaires were analyzed after deducting errors and missing questionnaires.A Likert 5-point scale questionnaire was developed to test the reliability, and the Cronbach's alpha test yielded a result of 83.7%, indicating acceptable reliability.SPSS version 26 was used for data analysis, employing both descriptive and inferential statistical tools.Prior consent was obtained from participants, and their participation was voluntary.Additionally, language translation and back-translation were conducted to ensure clarity of the questionnaire.

RESULTS AND DISCUSSION
Result section display the outcome of data in three part first demographic information; second the perception of government employee on future perspective on AI and third federal and local level employees on future perceptive of AI in government service.

Demographic Information
The data presented reveals the educational background, job postings, job levels, gender distribution, work experience, and age range of the individuals surveyed.
In terms of education level, a significant portion holds Bachelor's degrees (48.6%) and Master's degrees (45.9%), with a smaller percentage falling under the "Other" category (5.4%).Job Perception of government services employees regarding future perceptive of AI in government service An assessment of the future role of artificial intelligence (AI) in government services was made by questioning government employees.In order to assess these perceptions, the study used mean scores.The study aimed to understand the perspectives of government employees regarding the introduction of artificial intelligence (AI) in their workplace and its possible influence on their job duties.In order to identify patterns and trends in the attitudes of employees on the use of AI in government services, the study analysed mean scores.

Table 2. Employee Perception
Source: Survey Government services employees' perceptions of AI in government services show significant trends.On average, respondents indicated a moderate level of belief in AI's potential to enhance job efficiency (Mean = 3.68, SD = 0.71).Similarly, they foresee a moderate integration of AI within their organizations in the next five years (Mean = 3.19, SD = 0.97), indicating cautious optimism about AI adoption.The belief in the essentiality of investing in AI infrastructure and training is notably high (Mean = 4.03, SD = 0.55), suggesting recognition of the importance of preparing for AI implementation.Moreover, respondents generally agree that AI will influence how employees carry out their daily tasks (Mean = 3.76, SD = 0.64) and anticipate increased AI usage in service tasks (Mean = 4.00, SD = 0.78), indicating readiness to embrace AI-driven changes.Additionally, there is acknowledgment of the likelihood of higher demand for unique human resource skills in the future (Mean = 3.59, SD = 0.80), highlighting awareness of evolving workforce needs.The perspectives of federal and local government employees on the potential application of AI in government services were compared in a study.It aimed to identify any differences in their perspectives on the integration of AI and how it will affect their individual jobs and responsibilities.This study illuminates possible differences in perspectives regarding the deployment of AI between federal and local government employees.Comparison of Federal and local level employees on future perceptive of AI in government service

Factors
The perspectives of federal and local government employees on the potential application of AI in government services were compared in a study.It aimed to identify any differences in their perspectives on the integration of AI and how it will affect their individual jobs and responsibilities.This study illuminates possible differences in perspectives regarding the deployment of AI between federal and local government employees.
The ANOVA results comparing the perspectives of federal and local level employees on the future perception of AI in government services indicate no significant difference between the two groups (F= 1.307, p = .261).The sum of squares between groups is 0.264, the sum of squares within groups is 7.082, and the total sum of squares is 7.347.This suggests that the variation between federal and local level employees' perspectives on AI in government services is not statistically significant.

CONCLUSION
This study reveals government service employees' positive outlook on AI integration.Their diverse backgrounds shape their perceptions.Despite organizational level, a shared optimism exists regarding AI's potential to improve efficiency and drive change.Notably, federal and local employees share similar views.These findings suggest receptiveness to AI. Future research could research deeper into specific strategies for implementing AI in government services and assess their impact on job performance and organizational effectiveness.
Government agencies should develop comprehensive strategies for AI adoption, including investments in infrastructure, training programs, and ethical guidelines to ensure responsible AI use.
Organizations should foster a culture of innovation and encourage employees to embrace AI technologies by providing training opportunities, promoting knowledge sharing, and recognizing innovative practices.
Governments should enhance collaboration between federal and local levels to facilitate knowledge sharing and best practice exchange in AI adoption.This could involve establishing crossfunctional teams, sharing resources, and coordinating initiatives to promote uniformity in AI implementation across different government agencies.
Furthermore, respondents express a moderate level of belief that AI will enhance job performance without replacing jobs (Mean = 3.43, SD = 0.77), indicating cautious optimism about the coexistence of AI and human workers.They also foresee the emergence of new HR roles due to AI (Mean = 3.81, SD = 0.57), suggesting anticipation of evolving job landscapes in HR.Lastly, respondents expect a significant demand for flexible virtual work arrangements in the future (Mean = 3.95, SD = 0.70), underscoring the expectation for adaptive work environments.

Table 1 .
Demographic Information

Table 3 .
Comparison of Federal and Local Level Employee on AI Future Perceptive