Comparative E-Government examines the impact of information and communication technology (ICT) on governments throughout the world. It focuses on the adoption of e-government both by comparing different countries, and by focusing on individual countries and the success and challenges that they have faced. With 32 chapters from leading e-government scholars and practitioners from around the world, there is representation of developing and developed countries and their different stages of e-government adoption. Part I compares the adoption of e-government in two or more countries. The purpose of these chapters is to discern the development of e-government by comparing different counties and their individual experiences. Part II provides a more in-depth focus on case studies of e-government adoption in select countries. Part III, the last part of the book, examines emerging innovations and technologies in the adoption of e-government in different countries. Some of the emerging technologies are the new social media movement, the development of e-participation, interoperability, and geographic information systems (GIS).

In the 1990s, many governments began to use information and communications technologies, especially Internet applications, to improve the efficiency and economy of government operations and to provide their citizens, the business community, and government officials with information and services. The goal of e-government is to become entrenched in the everyday lives of these people so that they become reliant on Internet access to government. Comparative Perspectives on E-government draws upon the expertise of its contributors, who have conducted research and policy analyses related to government information policy and e-government, and who have published previously in these areas. The focus of coverage is on five countries (Australia, Canada, New Zealand, the United Kingdom, and the United States) and topical issues such as the digital divide, the balance between access and security in the aftermath of 9-11, trust in government, the citizen's perspective on e-government, and the evaluation of government Web sites. The book addresses the need to understand the phenomenon of e-government better_its development, mission and goals, success in achieving those goals, and future plans_extending an inquiry to both developed and developing countries. An additional need for detailed cross-country analyses and comparisons, introduced here, is also addressed.

In Innovations in E-Government, Erwin A. Blackstone, Michael L. Bognanno, and Simon Hakim make the case that E-government is expected to make middle management of lesser value and flatten the pyramid of management in government. Improved communications, measurability of output, and the greater accountability of workers will reduce the necessary level of worker supervision and reduce the need for middle management. In turn, decisions by top management become more transparent and their accountability will also rise. Thus, as a result of improved technology, government could become leaner. Workers will be more empowered, efficient, and accountable. When considering the long term effects of e-government on the structure and activities of government, increased transparency becomes a most beneficial aspect. When activities are reported, meetings are broadcast and information is easily accessed, citizens become more informed. This will make government more accountable and good governance in one locality will increase the pressure on others to also adopt the same innovations. E-government is a technological innovation and moves from an inefficient and mainly unaccountable bureaucracy to a new entrepreneurial and accountable culture. It enables workers at lower levels of the hierarchy to take part in and be accountable for decision-making. E-government is being used to improve the management of cities and to achieve a more efficient use of resources. In the long run, opportunities exist for e-government to bring about a reorganization of government, one that would reduce excessively bureaucratic processes and organizational structures. It is these changes that may ultimately bring the biggest cost savings to taxpayers.

This research handbook provides a state-of-the-art perspective on how corporate governance differs between countries around the world. It covers highly topical issues including corporate purpose, corporate social responsibility and shareholder activism.

Examining the nexus of government and business in some of the world's most prominent industrial nations, the author explores the strategies adopted by business to influence governmental acdtions and analyzes the public policies that bind business to the state.

In recent years, it has become apparent that there are very distinct gaps between developed and developing regions in the world, especially in regards to e-government systems, infrastructures, and processes. Digital Public Administration and E-Government in Developing Nations: Policy and Practice examines e-government from the perspective of developing nations and addresses issues and concerns of developing systems and processes. This publication is a valuable and insightful tool for researchers, practitioners, policymakers, and students in different fields who are interested in information systems, public policies, politics, and media and communication studies.

This book analyzes the common set of obstacles to the development and integration of government Information and Communication Technology (ICT) projects and effective e-government initiatives in developing countries. It draws on the expertise and experience of more developed states in the Pacific, notably Australia and New Zealand, both highly rated in global rankings for e-government and active in a variety of e-government development projects across the region. There has been a general failure to identify priorities and align projects with local needs in ICT/e-government projects. Small Island Developing States (or SIDS) present a unique problem in terms of e-government. Not only do they suffer from a common set of barriers to ICT development such as their remoteness, geographical dispersion, moist tropical climates, largely rural populations, and lack of ICT capacity and infrastructure, but are also dependent on external agencies for investment, and must negotiate with powerful donors who have conflicting agendas. E-government is widely regarded as 'transformational', increasing efficiency, productivity, accountability, economic growth, and citizen involvement. But while the governments of SIDS are committed to harnessing ICTs for effective government and economic development, they face major challenges in establishing successful e-government initiatives, due to the problems outlined above, coupled with a lack of HR capacities and appropriate strategies and policies. Drawing on the experience of the states mentioned above, as well as regional quasi-governmental bodies, nongovernmental organizations (NGOs), aid agencies, and the private sector, the book will be of interest to researchers and students in the fields of e-government, public administration, political science, communication, information science, and social media.