Electronic government encompasses all government roles and activities, shaped
by information and communications technologies (ICTs). Going well beyond
analogies to e-commerce, it encompasses the four domains of governance and
public administration: the state’s economic and social programs; its relationships
with the citizen and the rule of law (e-democracy), its internal operations and its
relationship with the international environment. E-government builds on three
evolving forces: technology, management concepts and government itself. It has
given rise to several phenomena that are redefining the public sector environment,
including the International Institute of Administrative Sciences. Four aspects
of e-government have lasting impacts on public administration: citizen-centered
service, information as a public resource, new skills and working relationships, and
accountability and management models. The challenges of e-government are
even more acute in developing countries, although it also offers solutions. Public
administration in all countries requires new thinking and leadership to ensure that
e-government realizes its full potential.