Administrative Leadership and the Electronic City: Challenges and Opportunities

Abstract

Much has been written about the benefits of e-government, but far less has been written about how the e-government revolution will be staffed. Many questions remain about whether we have the capacity to develop and provide new e-government services. This chapter seeks to add to our knowledge in this area by examining three perspectives on the readiness of administrative leaders for effective development of e-government systems and strategies. The authors examine the lingering division of policy and administration, present an assessment of the technology knowledge of city managers, and finish with an examination of the leadership strategies available to administrative leaders in city government for achieving the kind of comprehensive changes that many e-government initiatives require. The authors find challenges in each of these important areas and also opportunities. The chapter concludes with recommendations for administrative leaders to break free from these different barriers to success.