ICT use in central government: Scope, predictors and effects on coordination quality

Abstract

This paper addresses the use of ICT tools in central government, what can explain the variation in the use of such tools and the effects of them on perceived coordination quality. The data base is a survey to civil servants in Norwegian central government. Structural and cultural perspectives are applied to understand the variation in scope and effects of ICT tools. The paper finds that ICT tools are widespread in central government, but government-to-government tools are more used than government-to-citizens tools. The predictors of ICT use are mainly structural features. Use of government-to-government tools have a significant effect on perceived coordination quality but also cultural features matter.