The implementation of new policies related to the development of Information and Communication Technologies, introduced a completely different way of governing and service provision to the citizens. By pushing governments to more transparency, the implementation of ICT into government service inevitably relates with corruption as well. Therefore, this paper tries to identify and analyze the relation between corruption and e-government and also find out to what extent the implementation of ICT policies helps countries and governments to reduce the levels of corruption.

S Su um mm ma ar ry y e-Government refers to government's use of ICTs to work more effectively, share information and deliver better services to the public. e-Government is essentially more about the process of government reform and resulting benefits than about the application of specific technological solutions or services. A well-planned e-government strategy can make leaps into building a more efficient, accountable and transparent government. If planned with representation from key stakeholders, e-government applications can rebuild citizen trust in government, promote economic growth by improving interface with business, and empower citizens to participate in advancing good governance. While e-government is not a panacea for the complex and deep-rooted problems of corruption, it cannot be ignored that ICTs possess the ability to contribute effectively towards any anti-corruption efforts. This APDIP e-Note looks at how e-government can help fight corruption; gives two well-known examples from the Republic of Korea and India where e-government has successfully helped to fight corruption; and discusses the challenges in designing and implementing similar programmes. When e-government applications are used to fight corruption, it is critical that four key anti-corruption strategies – prevention; enforcement; access to information and empowerment; and capacity building are integrated in the design and implementation process. A few case studies of e-government applications from the Asia-Pacific region report some impact on reducing corruption in several ways: Prevention: Introducing e-government applications provide an opportunity to simplify rules and procedures, and re-engineer processes and systems. The use of computers and online transactions eliminate gate keepers, depersonalize and standardize the delivery of services and thus, reduce abuse of discretion and other opportunities for corruption. Enforcement: Computerized procedures make it possible to track decisions and actions and thus, serve as an additional deterrent to corruption. Where data are centralized, unbiased sampling procedures can be applied for audit purposes. Access to Information and Empowerment: Publishing of government information online builds accountability by providing documentation to citizens to substantiate their complaints against corrupt practices. Capacity Building: Introducing e-government applications requires that telecommunication infrastructure is strengthened, human resources are developed in ICT literacy, and the culture of good governance promoted. W Wh ha at t i is s e e-G Go ov ve er rn nm me en nt t? ? The use of information and communication technologies (ICTs) has dramatically changed government services, business models, and people's expectations of the quality and efficiency of information sharing and service delivery. e-Government refers to government's use of ICTs to work more effectively, share information and deliver better services to the public. e-Government is more about government – the process of reform and resulting benefits-than about the technology.

There are growing concerns among development experts and researchers about Africa's transition from agrarian economy to industrial economy. They argue that the continent's ambition of being the new economic frontier and preferred destination for foreign direct investment is being threatened by faulty leadership predicated on corruption. In any case, this corruption postulation needs to be grounded in scientific evidence and data. What is clear in the literature is that investors, foreign or local, are not likely to play in an atmosphere of uncertainty. Among other variables, a stable democratic setting is a sine qua non for investment inflows. Apparently, democracy remains the best form of government as it guarantees inclusivity of the leaders and the led in the governance process. In recent memory, Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) have been reshaping political development and democratization globally. And Africa has its slice of the pie. ICTs as a knowledge tool empowers the led with information about governance procedures for them to in turn hold their leaders accountable for actions and inactions with a view to reducing corruption-induced social tensions. Focusing on Nigeria as case study, this paper measures corruption using statistical model and discusses e-government, e-governance and e-Administration as a typology of managing corruption using ICTs. The expected research outcome is an information system blueprint for a democratic structure that promotes developmental politics and attracts foreign direct investments. This way, Africa's dream of being the next preferred global investment destination will scale up to reality.

This paper studies the impact of E-governance on corruption basing on the Indian Experiences. Though the primary objective of different e-governance projects was to provide information and services to citizens and businesses, all of them have succeeded in reducing or eliminating the corruption. The present study is an in depth analysis of some successful e-governance projects implemented in India. The study shows that e-governance projects resulted in elimination of corruption totally in many areas or reduced corruption substantially in others. This reduction in corruption had a positive effect on the society in achieving societal harmony. The authors conclude that e-governance can be a lethal weapon to fight corruption in developing countries and can help achieve societal harmony.

The use of e-government as a tool to reduce government corruption is dependent on strategic implementation of a government records management system. Government records are a major resource, and proper records management facilitates transparency, accountability, and the efficient conduct of government operations. Good records management is essential to good governance and good e-governance is dependent on good e-records management. Good e-records management can be integrated with knowledge management to increase efficiency of government operations and to provide Information and Communication Technology (ICT) supported opportunities for transparency and accountability. E-governance applications that facilitate increased efficiency, transparency and accountability can be used to implement anti-corruption strategies. Many countries experience high levels of corruption. Corruption, defined as the abuse of public power for personal gain, has social and moral costs, and impedes economic growth. E-governance applications have the potential ability to impede the drivers of corruption, but e-government is merely an administrative tool. The appropriate use of this tool depends on the strategic implementation of e-government taking into consideration certain factors influencing the success of anti-corruption e-governance applications. In this paper, I examine and analyze the literature on e-government, e-records management and corruption and I make recommendations for the successful application of e-government to corruption reduction. Themes explored in the relevant literature include: types of corruption, and suitability of anti-corruption strategy to corruption type; leadership, strategic planning and stakeholder buy-in; legislation; policy development; and institutional culture; and the role of records management professionals. My analysis of the relevant literature yields recommendations for the successful use of e-government to reduce corruption.