Silicon idols: Problems of harnessing IT in government

Many nations are now embarking on 'electronic government' initiatives that seek to harness the tremendous potential for information technology (IT) to improve public sector efficiency and effectiveness. Yet evidence highlights the very poor record of IT in the public sector. Failure is the norm, success the exception. University of Manchester research in India indicates that senior public officials hold the key to success or failure. The approach they take to IT is frequently misguided. Officialdom must therefore change its own culture if the potential of IT to support public sector reform is to be realised.