Dealing with discretionary decision making in e-government: an open government approach. (5th September 2006)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Varavithya, Wanchai; Esichaikul, Vatcharaporn
• Is Part Of: Electronic government. Volume 3:Number 4(2006)
• Page Start: 356
• Page End: 372
• Publication Date: 2006-09-05
• Subjects: electronic government -- open government -- citizen consultation -- e-government -- administrative discretion -- discretionary decision making; Internet in public administration -- Periodicals; 352.380285467805
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1740-7494

Abstract

Administrative discretion refers to matters where, under legal framework, the degree of latitude or flexibility is left to be exercised by an official when making decisions. Such powers are often viewed as a major source of poor governance and should be replaced using information technology. This paper argues that the hollowing out of administrative discretion may not always achieve good governance and suggests an 'open government' approach as a means to prevent arbitrariness in discretionary decisions. The citizen consultation process and the e-government discretionary framework are introduced as a lens with which to analyse and design e-government applications.