Publication: One Step Forward, Two Steps Backward?: Does E-Government Make Governments in Developing Countries More Transparent and Accountable?
Date
2015-06
ISSN
Published
2015-06
Author(s)
Abstract
Many countries are in the process of
transitioning from primarily paper-based administrative
systems to digital systems through the application of
information and communication technology (ICTs) as part of
e-Government initiatives. Though much has been written about
the positive power of technology and information to support
greater transparency and accountability and, by extension,
development, this paper discusses literature exploring the
unintended consequences and downside risks for transparency
and accountability associated with the way recorded
information is produced and managed in digitally enabled
developing country public sector contexts. The implications
of these risks for implementation of right to information
laws is discussed, and a call is made for further research
and greater attention to the effects of ICT use in the
public sector, especially in regard to digital records and
information creation, use, management and preservation and
effects upon the operation of transparency and
accountability mechanisms.
Citation
“Lemieux, Victoria L.. 2015. One Step Forward, Two Steps Backward? : Does E-Government Make Governments in Developing Countries More Transparent and Accountable?. Right to information working paper series;. © World Bank, Washington, DC. http://openknowledge.worldbank.org/handle/10986/22496 License: CC BY 3.0 IGO.”