Bridging E-Government and Performance in the Italian Public Sector

The chapter presents an account of the likely consequences that performance monitoring systems have on public service transparency and accountability through e-government technology. The research draws upon a study on the Brunetta reform (from the name of the Ministry of Public Administration) to foster public sectorproductivity, whose key principles are efficiency, meritocracy, accountability, and transparency. Specifically we outline the rationale for introducing performance monitoring technologies in public central administrations (ministries), the use the central government made of the system and the ways in which central public administrations responded to such compulsory performance monitoring system. Over the last decade governments in Europe and North America have attempted to improve efficiency of public services through Information and Communication Technology, commonly branded as electronic government (e-government). Public Sector Transformation through E-Government explores the influence that e-government has on public sector organizations, the organizational complexities that result, and its impact on citizens and democratic society. This book examines e-government’s potential to transform public services from a theoretical perspective, and provides practical examples from leading public sector institutions that have utilized e-government as a basis to bring about change. It further investigates the relationship between citizens and government and how they are affected by e-government policies and programs. Aimed at students and researchers of public administration/management and information systems, this book serves as a welcome tool for examining and understanding e-government and transformational change. About the Author Vishanth Weerakkody is a Senior Lecturer and Director of Undergraduate Studies at the Business School at Brunel University, UK. His current research interests include electronic government, process transformation and change, and technology adoption and diffusion in the public sector. As well as being Editor-in-chief of the International Journal of Electronic Government Research, he is Associate Editor for a number of leading journals. Christopher G. Reddick is an Associate Professor and Chair of the Department of Public Administration at the University of Texas at San Antonio, USA. Dr. Reddick's research and teaching interests are in information technology and public sector organizations. Dr. Reddick recently edited the two-volume book entitled Handbook of Research on Strategies for Local E-Government Adoption and Implementation: Comparative Studies. He is also author of the book Homeland Security Preparedness and Information Systems, which examine the impact of information technology on homeland security preparedness.