Post on 02-Jan-2016
What is e-governance?
Backus (2001): The application of electronic means in (1) the
interaction between government and citizens and government and businesses, as well as (2) in internal government operations to simplify and improve democratic, government and business aspects of Governance
The E-governance Institute, Rutgers University:
The principles of e-governance are:
Build services around citizens' choices Make government more accessible Facilitate social inclusion Provide information responsibly Use government resources effectively and
efficiently saving taxpayers money
Government website as a tool for e-governance
Desirable characteristics (Backus, 2001): Accessible Transparent in providing relevant government
information (policies, news, regulations, data, etc.) Interactive – exchange of information/
communication (emails, search engines, downloadable forms/documents, etc.)
Delivery of products and services – online transactions like filing taxes, extending/renewing licenses, visas, passports, etc., and online voting
In the future: All services at one virtual counter
An example of a government site with each of the characteristics
http://www.westminster.gov.uk/ - City of Westminster, London
Accessibility:
http://www.westminster.gov.uk/tools/help/accessoptions.cfm - different access options / languages
Mobile alerts - http://www.westminster.gov.uk/mobiles.cfm
Relevant Information: Press Office
http://www.westminster.gov.uk/councilgovernmentanddemocracy/councils/pressoffice/index.cfm
Online publications - http://www.westminster.gov.uk/publications.cfm
Going Green - http://www.westminstergogreen.co.uk/home/
Many more! http://www.westminster.gov.uk/
Interactive features:
Contact information - http://www3.westminster.gov.uk/forms/contact_council.cfm
Search Engine
Downloadable forms - http://www.westminster.gov.uk/forms/
Online services:
Report a problem - http://www.westminster.gov.uk/forms/#problem
Contact the council - http://www.westminster.gov.uk/forms/#contact
MyWestminster - http://www.westminster.gov.uk/mywestminster/