E-government refers to the use of electronic communication and information technologies in the delivery of government services, while governance is a broader concept encompassing the overall process and structure by which organizations, including governments, make decisions and implement policies. E-government is a subset of governance, focusing specifically on the digital aspect of government operations and service delivery.
Governance is what the governments (actors) do (actions). Since all that the government does may not be pleasant / desired. Thus, comes the concept of good governance - "the degree to which the governance delivers on the promise of human rights: civil, cultural, economic, political and social rights".
e-Government is the electronic extension of the traditional government institutions as they make more and more use of technologies (ICT, in particular) to execute good governance.
The terms "e-government" and "governance" are related, but they have distinct meanings. Here's a breakdown of their differences:
E-government:
Focus: E-government refers to the use of information and communication technologies (ICT) in government operations. This includes things like providing online services, automating processes, and using data to improve decision-making.
Scope: E-government primarily focuses on improving the efficiency and effectiveness of government service delivery. This might involve online platforms for applying for permits, filing taxes, accessing public records, etc.
Citizen involvement: E-government primarily involves one-way communication between the government and citizens. Citizens can access information and services online, but there isn't necessarily a strong emphasis on their direct participation in decision-making.
Example: A government website where citizens can pay their taxes online or renew their driver's licenses.
Governance:
Focus: Governance is the process of decision-making and exercising authority. It encompasses the entire system of how a country or society is governed, including formal institutions like the government, as well as informal rules and norms.
Scope: Governance is a broader concept than e-government. It includes all aspects of running a country, such as setting policies, making laws, enforcing regulations, and resolving conflicts.
Citizen involvement: Governance ideally involves two-way communication and participation between the government and citizens. This can take many forms, such as public consultations, town hall meetings, and citizen initiatives.
Example: A public debate about a proposed new law, or a community project organized by local residents.
Key differences:
Technology: E-government relies heavily on technology, while governance is a broader concept that doesn't necessarily require it.
Scope: E-government focuses on service delivery, while governance encompasses all aspects of running a country.
Citizen involvement: E-government can facilitate communication and access to information, but it doesn't guarantee citizen participation in decision-making. Governance, on the other hand, ideally involves active citizen engagement.
In short:
E-government is a tool within governance. It is one way of making government more efficient and accessible, but it is not a substitute for good governance.
Good governance depends on many factors, including strong institutions, clear rules, and active citizen participation. E-government can play a role in supporting these factors, but it is just one piece of the puzzle.
Thesis Реалізація адміністративно-правових норм через інформаційно-...
Foreign studies also distinguish between the concepts of e-governance and e-government. In particular, T. Riley notes that e-governance refers to the concepts, views, and issues surrounding the function of government, while e-government is related to the specific practical structures of government that implement such concepts in practice. E-government can be a more productive variant of conventional government if it is well implemented and managed. E-government can evolve into shared governance if it is well designed and properly interconnected [] . However, the e-government system itself is not a replacement for conventional government, but a means of implementing management relations in a new format [p. 13], ensuring faster and more efficient interaction both within public institutions and in their relations with individuals and legal entities. Thus, e-government is a part of the e-government system implemented by the country.
Kim, S., Kim, H. J., & Lee, H. (2009) delineate e-government as follows: “E-gov means the use of technology to enhance access to and delivery of government services to benefit citizens, business partners, and employees. E-gov has the power to create new models of public service whereby all public organizations deliver modernized, integrated, and seamless services for citizens”. (Kim, S., Kim, H. J., & Lee, H. (2009)).This definition is aimed to highlight the role of ICT in the implementation of e-government, particularly governance.
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