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Evolving local e-government: a cohesive policy approach

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posted on 2013-01-01, 00:00 authored by Julie FreemanJulie Freeman
Effective policy frameworks are essential when developing e-government projects. Participatory e-government practices that facilitate civic engagement depend upon a combination of direct and indirect information and communication technology (ICT) policies. Direct policies focus on infrastructure development and enhancing citizens’ ICT adoption and use. Indirectly, ICTs can be used to support policy processes through, for example, information dissemination and the provision of spaces for deliberation. This chapter examines Australian e-government initiatives, suggesting that local governments provide a useful context for online civic participation and engagement. However, local initiatives are often developed on an ad hoc basis and are largely limited to the provision of one-way information and service delivery features. Conversely, federal documentation addresses both direct and indirect ICT policy areas and stresses the value of online civic participation. Yet, there is a significant disconnection between federal ideals of engagement and the actual implementation of two-way participatory practices, with service delivery mechanisms again prioritised. This chapter suggests that greater online civic engagement may be achieved through a policy approach that combines national guidance and resources with local knowledge, while using policies to support ICTs and ICTs to support policy processes.

History

Chapter number

6

Pagination

119-138

Open access

  • Yes

ISBN-13

9781466642454

ISBN-10

1466642459

Language

eng

Publication classification

B1.1 Book chapter

Copyright notice

2013, IGI Global

Extent

17

Editor/Contributor(s)

Mahmood Z

Publisher

IGI Global

Place of publication

Hershey, Pa.

Title of book

Developing e-government projects: frameworks and methodologies

Series

Advances in electronic government, digital divide, and regional development (AEGDDRD)