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" Computerisation in American and British central government 1975-95 : "
Margetts, Helen Zerlina.
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Latin Dissertation
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| Record Number
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1094523
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| Doc. No
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TLets339148
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| Main Entry
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Margetts, Helen Zerlina.
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| Title & Author
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Computerisation in American and British central government 1975-95 :\ Margetts, Helen Zerlina.
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| College
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London School of Economics and Political Science (University of London)
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| Date
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1996
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| student score
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1996
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| Degree
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Ph.D.
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| Abstract
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This study explores twenty years of computerisation in central government in theUSA and Britain. Information systems now lie deep in the heart of the 'tools' ofgovernment, dispensing treasure, authority and information, replacing organisationalfunctions and creating new requirements for technical expertise. Traditional PublicAdministration pays little attention to the implications of this change, whileapproaches based on modernism attribute radical transformational powers toinformation technology. This study synthesises elements of postmodern and criticalmodern approaches, challenging assumptions of previous work.The US and Britain provide a fruitful site for comparison, with similar cultures,agency structure and contract providers, but contrasting legal systems, contractingtraditions and regulatory approaches. Since the 1 970s, both governments haveceased direct involvement in producing information systems at the forefront ofavailable technologies; in 1 995, both stand outside a contractor driven process. Inthe US spiralling regulations and competing oversight agencies have periodicallythreatened to strangle information technology development; in Britain absence ofcentral guidance has led to potential loss of administrative and policy control. Thecomputerisation of benefits delivery and tax collection in the two governmentsthroughout the 1 980s illustrates the range of risks involved when centralbureaucracies embarkon large-scale technology-based projects: problemsfor centraloversight, difficulties in retaining policy flexibility and the dangers inherent in grandscheme designs.Information technology in the 1 990s provides increasing possibilities for policyinnovation through systems integration and technological development. Decisionsmade in response to information technology problems during the last twenty yearsof computerisation in central government will dictate pathways available for policyin the future. Yet debate over crucial information technology issues currently takesplace on the fringe of policy-related fields. This study provides a framework forresituating information technology policy on the centre stage of public policy andmanagement.
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| Subject
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Information science librarianship
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| Added Entry
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London School of Economics and Political Science (University of London)
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