Abstract
The book begins with a discussion of the two major eras that define IT in public administration. It then explores a number of theoretical frameworks that have proved helpful in understanding IT. Specifically, technological determinism, reinforcement theory, socio-technical theory, and systems theory are all reviewed as a means to help appreciate the various frames of references that guide IT development. As the is shown, the theoretical frameworks differ significantly in their approach to IT. The other goal of this chapter is to explore how IT impinges on democratic values of transparency, participation, and collaboration. In short, this chapter presents the concept of democracy from a concentric layering perspective of six critical themes: e-democracy, e-activism, e-campaigning, e-voting, e-legislation, and e-participation. As explored in the chapter, these five layers entail many new roles for public managers, many new challenges, and many new opportunities.
TopTwo Major Eras
IT in the public sector can be divided between two major eras: pre 2000 and post 2000 with the year 2000 (otherwise known as Y2K) serving as an important point of delineation.