Article Preview
TopLiterature Review
E-government is the application of Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) within government, to optimize its internal and external functions (UNDESA, 2003). E-government also refers to “the delivery of services and information, electronically, to businesses and residents, 24 hours a day, seven days a week” (Norris et al., 2001, p. 5). The Organization of Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) defines e-government as “the use of information and communication technologies (ICT’s), and particularly the Internet, as a tool to achieve better government” (OECD, 2003, p. 22). Bannister (2007) provides a working definition of e-government that includes the use of ICT in the formulation and execution of government and public policy. The use of information technology also expands the possibilities for achieving direct democracy by focusing on transparency and openness. E-governance includes both e-government (delivery of public service) and e-democracy (citizen participation in governance) (Holzer & Kim, 2007). In the development of e-democracy, information disclosures and two-way communication are prerequisites for establishing an informed citizenry and sustaining a high quality of political debate.
According to Barber (2001), ICT tools are more suitable for political communication than the broadcast media and should be exploited to offer electronic delivery of public services, develop communities online and open up numerous possibilities for participation. Lau (2007) states that “good governance” includes modernization and transformation of the public sector, ensuring equity, increasing responsiveness, accountability and participation. When governments fully embrace all the benefits that technology has to offer to public administrators and citizens alike, then improved government performance will follow.