MDG: Together for Equality blog by M.Whitfield: Importance of e-Government & Governance

To begin with, let’s look specifically at what e-government and goverence is about. "E-government is a general term describing the use of technologies to facilitate the operation of government and the disbursement of government information and services."[1] Governance relates to decisions that define expectations, grant power, or verify performance. It consists either of a separate process or of a specific part of management or leadership processes. Sometimes people set up a government to administer these processes and systems. [2]

The basic purpose of e-government is for the government to effectively utilize technology (i.e. the internet) to offer information and services to all citizens. There are many pro's to taking this approach. It can prove to be very cost effective and will also be convenient. Convenience is paramount and essential to ensure that all people are able to access resources that are needed. There are many benefits to e-government; these include reduced cost, increased revenue, enhanced speed & efficiency, and accountability. Currently, e-government is viewed as a secondary communication tool that can be utilized since there are other options available (such as calling or visiting the appropriate department). In order to gauge how effective e-government would be, there should be incentives for the public to use this method. The way things are nowadays, almost everyone is connected to the internet or some other means of e-communication. To keep up with the advances in technology and communication, the government needs to keep in step and in tune with how society communicates.

Governance is equally, if not more significant that e-government. When people speak about goverence, it is important to discern between governance and good goverence. We know and understand what goverence is but what is good goverence? The role of goverence is to promote policy making. Additionally, good governance has 8 major characteristics. They are participatory, consensus oriented, accountable, transparent, responsive, effective and efficient, equitable and inclusive and following the rules of the law. It assures that corruption is minimized, the views of minorities are taken into account and that the voices of the most vulnerable in society are heard in decision-making. It is also responsive to the present and future needs of society."[3] Here is a summary of those eight characteristics:

Participation: It is important that men and woman both participate and this is a key cornerstone of good goverence. This participation can be in the form of direct or indirect representation.
Rule of law: The enforcement of fair legal framework; full protection of human rights (especially of minorities).
Transparency: This requires that enforcement of all rules and regulations are conducted in a manner that is impartial. The information surrounding these rules and regulations must be freely available in a comprehensible format.
Responsiveness: Institutions & processes attempt to serve all interested parties within a reasonable timeframe.
Consensus oriented: Ensuring that the majority interest of the community are taken into consideration and a plan is drafted that will outline how those interest will be met.
Equity & inclusiveness: Ensuring that all members of society feel that their opinion matters and that they have the power to enact change (sound familiar?)
Effectiveness & efficiency: Ensuring the best use of available resources to obtain the desired results.
Accountability: Ensuring that “an organization or an institution is accountable to those who will be affected by its decisions or actions. Accountability cannot be enforced without transparency and the rule of law.”