E-Government and e-Governance

E-Government refers to the use by government agencies of information and communication technologies (ICT), such as web-based Networks, the Internet, and mobile computing, that have the ability to transform relations with citizens, businesses, and other arms of government. These technologies offer, better delivery of government services to citizens, improved interactions with business and industry, citizen empowerment through access to information, or more efficient government management. The resulting benefits include less corruption, increased transparency, greater convenience, revenue growth, and/or cost reductions. E-government is not only used in developed countries. Some of the most innovative uses of the Internet in governance are being successfully used in the developing countries, as well.

E-governance is not just about government web site, e-mail, service delivery over the Internet, digital access to government information or electronic payments. The strategic objective of e-governance is to support and simplify governance for government, citizens, businesses and its employees. The use of ICTs can connect all three parties and support processes and activities. It will change how citizens relate to governments as much as it changes how citizens relate to each other. It will bring forth new concepts of citizenship, both in terms of needs and responsibilities.

The key to e-government is the establishment of a long-term, organization-wide strategy to constantly improve operations with the end in sight of fulfilling citizen needs by transforming internal operations such as staffing, technology, processes and work flow management.

Thus, e-government should result in the efficient and swift delivery of goods and services to citizens, businesses, government employees and agencies. To citizens and businesses, e-government would mean the simplification of procedures and streamlining of the approval process. To government employees and agencies, it would mean the facilitation of cross-agency coordination and collaboration to ensure appropriate and timely decision-making.

The Internet is indeed the most powerful means for delivering e-government. However, it is not the only, or the most appropriate, means. Developing countries in particular need to take some constraints, from the infrastructural to the financial, into account when considering the best strategy for adopting e-government. Existing electronic service delivery channels must be put to use to provide the broadest access possible.

References

1. Sheridan, William Comparing e-Government Vs. e-Governance. Retrieved October 22, 2007, from GIS Development Web site: http://www.gisdevelopment.net/magazine/years/2006/aug/46_2.htm
   


2. United Nations, Compendium of Innovative E-government Practices Edition I Economic & Social Affairs
   


3. United Nations, Department of Economic and Social Affairs Compendium of Innovative E-government Practices