1 ICT initiatives in Papua New Guinea – impact of mobile phones on socio-economic development Joseph Kim SUWAMARU SSGM June 19, 2014

Presentation outline Aims of research Literature review Research questions Theoretical framework Methodology Data analyses Research findings Discussion through the theoretical framework Conclusions & take home message Aims of research Literature review Research questions Theoretical framework Methodology Data analyses Research findings Discussion through the theoretical framework Conclusions & take home message 2

Aim of the research Investigation of impact and influences of mobile phones on socio-economic development in Papua New Guinea (PNG). Socio-economic development as: ‘the process of supporting healthcare and education access together with income earning opportunities for citizens in PNG while observing cultural integrity in the face of direct or indirect use of mobile phones’. 3

Literature Review (over 480 literature consulted) It is estimated that by 2014/2015 there will be more mobile phones than people on this planet.. 4

Literature review Mobile phones are bridging the digital divide and transforming many economic, social, and medical realities, particularly in developing countries… (Greengard, 2008). Increased connectivity between nations, communities and people through ICTs and mobile phones intensifying the flow of social, economic, cultural practices & ideas including goods and services…(Rangarajan, 2006). Accelerating interdependence, action at a distance, and compression of time and space, and compression of the world and intensification of consciousness of the world as a whole…(Ritzer & Malone, 2000). 5

Research questions How can mobile phones impact on and influence socio- economic development in Papua New Guinea? 1)What are the primary attitudes toward and uses of mobile phones? 2)What are the cultural aspects of mobile phone usage? 3)What are the aspects of mobile phone usage in healthcare? 4)What are the aspects of mobile phone usage in schools? 5)What are the social aspects of mobile phone usage? 6)What are the economic aspects of mobile phone usage? 6

Globalization Theory DOI Theory mobile phones increased connectivity Theoretical framework Globalization of mobile phones enabled by standardization and shifts in ICT policy (Manivannan, 2008) Integration of economies through mobile phones enables flows in information, ideas and practices (Rangarajan, 2006). Communication of innovation through various channels among citizens over time (Rogers, 1983). 7

Data collection sites across PNG 8

Mixed methods: - convenience sampling Analytical tools appropriate for different types of data were used followed by concurrent interpretation of data Strand specific techniques used to record and analyse data Concurrent analyses and triangulation of results from both strands Mixed methods Quantitative data (N=727) Statistical tests Qualitative data (30 interviews) Thematic networks 9

PCA No:Primary attitudes of mobile phone usersFactor Loading Score 1Changes English and tok pisin0.82/0.78 2Functions as personal friend and source of entertainment0.66 3Popularity across PNG communities0.81 4Adversely impacts (non-utilitarian aspects)0.67 5Supportive usage in schools0.79 6Supportive usage in trading0.72 7Building self esteem0.67 8Personal assistant0.74 Primary attitudes of surveyed mobile phone users 10

PCA No:Primary uses of mobile phonesFactor Loading Score 1Business use0.74 2Internet portal0.78 3Instantaneous contact0.74 4Contact with healthcare and school workers0.72 5Sending and exchanging of call credits0.77 Primary uses of mobile phone 11

Cultural aspects – thematic networks 12

Uses in healthcare – thematic networks 13

Use in schools – thematic networks 14

Social aspects – thematic networks 15

Business uses – thematic networks 16

Changes English and Tok Pisin (A1) 17

Personal friend and source of entertainment (A2) 18

Popularity across PNG (A3) 19

Adverse impacts or non-utilitarian use (A4) 20

Usefulness in Schools (A5) 21

Usefulness in trading (A6) 22

Building self esteem (A7) No statistically significant difference was identified. 23

Personal assistant (A8) No statistically significant difference was identified. 24

Business use (U1) No statistically significant difference was identified. 25

Internet access (U2) 26

Instantaneous contact (U3) No statistically significant difference was identified. 27

Contacting healthcare & school workers (U4) No statistically significant difference was identified. 28

Exchanging call credits (U5) 29

Discussion through theoretical framework  Consistent with the DOI theory, widespread adoption and use of mobile phones within PNG communities occurred through various channels (interpersonal, newspapers, radios, billboards) among citizens over a relatively shorter time period.  The primary attitudes toward and uses of mobile phones are manifestations of the perceived attributes required to achieve critical mass to sustain mobile phone adoption and use.  The primary attitudes and uses encompass socio-economic development issues which are major determinants toward the adoption and use of mobile phones. 30

Diffusion of innovation theory  Consistent with DOI theory, manifestations of the relative advantage over existing modes and compatibility with felt needs (antecedents) gave way to their adoption and use.  Mobile phones are easily observable and trial-able due to the culture of communal living and sharing across PNG communities, leading to their adoption and use.  A NOVA and MANOVA tests revealed what DOI theory calls homophilous and heterophilous attributes between end-users across PNG communities. i.e similarities/differences in culture based belief systems, education and social-economic status. 31

Globalization theory Influences of globalization led to the proliferation of mobile phones across PNG after a shift in government policy. High diffusion levels led to increased connectivity between end-users through which flow of ideas and practices encompassing cultural, social and economic activities are being enabled. Accessing, sharing and consuming music & images through Bluetooth are examples of flow of cultural ideas & content through increased connectivity. This has connotations with cultural hegemony. 32

Globalization theory Conducting business transactions enabled by increased connectivity is also consistent with globalization theory. Take-up of m-banking involves undertaking transactions through mobile phones and is possible due to the near ubiquity of these devices. The perception that the use of mobile phones changes English and Tok pisin can be seen as a form of globalization of two languages that are not local. 33

Consequences of innovation  According to the DOI theory there are direct and desirable (anticipated), & indirect, undesirable (unanticipated) consequences of diffusion of innovations.  The primary attitudes and uses can be viewed as direct desirable consequences.  The attitudes and themes relating to adverse impacts on culture and languages can be viewed as undesirable (unanticipated) consequences. 34

Conclusions  Diffusion levels of mobile phones are much higher than other forms of ICTs in PNG, because of the easiness with which it meets communication needs.  The primary attitudes pertain to perceptions regarding the social, cultural and economic potential of mobile phones in PNG.  The primary uses reflect social and economic applications of mobile phones in PNG.  There were also adverse consequences on cultural and traditional values noted. 35

Take-home message! The influences of globalization, interpreted within the DOI theory has resulted in mobile phones finding a dominant place in the cultural, social and economic fabric of PNG society. These devices show potential to be harnessed for socio-economic development. The unanticipated, undesirable consequences of this implementation need be managed with maturity over time. 36

Thank You 37