The thesis examines the advantages and disadvantages of electronic and paper applications in administrative procedures from the perspective of employees at administrative units. The theoretical part presents the fundamental characteristics of the digital transformation of public administration, the role of applications as the foundation of administrative procedures, and the impact of the hybrid business model on work organisation and the efficiency of administrative units. The empirical part is based on semi-structured interviews with six managerial employees from different administrative units in Slovenia. The data were analysed using thematic analysis.
The research results show that employees perceive electronic applications (particularly those submitted via the eUprava portal) as significantly more efficient, as they reduce administrative burden, accelerate case processing, and decrease the number of incomplete applications. On the other hand, personal paper applications enable direct contact with clients and immediate assistance in filling out forms, which is crucial for older and digitally less literate users. The hybrid business model represents the greatest organisational challenge, as it leads to duplication of administrative tasks and increased time and mental workload for employees. Incomplete applications are considerably more common with paper submissions, while electronic systems with built-in checks of mandatory fields and attachments significantly reduce the number of errors.
For a successful digital transformation of public administration, a balance between technological progress and the preservation of inclusiveness is therefore essential. Complete digitisation in the near future is not realistic due to the existing digital divide. The thesis concludes with practical recommendations for optimising the hybrid model, including the gradual expansion of OCR technology use, targeted employee training, strengthening of Digi info points, and further standardisation of procedures within information systems.
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