Business-Government Interaction
E-government has become common place and represents a major form through which businesses and the government interact. This paper presents a reflection on the article “Transforming business-to-government relationships” by Stuart (2002). The article revolves around the contemporary e-government practice.
Businesses should not be overburdened by the requirements of government agencies that see them provide mounts of similar information to different agencies. Conventionally, businesses are profit-making institutions and this is a mainstay overarching goal. Stuart’s argument that the overwhelming compliance demands are outdated is rational. It is vital that all governments keep pace with businesses as regards the use of technology to ease unnecessary hurdles that have been characteristic of business-government relationships. The decision by state governments to turn to an e-government practice that will deliver services across agency functional boundaries is a positive move with potential benefits for both the government and businesses.
A move towards the cross-functional e-government will enhance compliance practices and accrue significant benefits to both businesses and the government. On their part, businesses will experience reduced costs and will save a lot of time once the system is fully functional. Under the traditional scenario where e-government does not exist, a business may be compelled to employ several workers to ensure that all the agencies concerned are duly supplied with the required information. The tasks may be time consuming because much paper work will be involved. On the other hand, the government will be able to maintain consistent, real time information across all agencies besides saving money and time.
However, the success of the practice will not be easy to come by. A need for key drivers of the initiative is necessary considering the fact that the government does not have competition like the one found in businesses. Besides the external pressure resulting from the need for a more amicable communication between the two parties, Stuart (21) noted that the internal need on the government’s side to reduce the burden of reporting on businesses is crucial. The lack of profound competitive forces would deter the government from aggressively approaching the matter. An internal realization of the importance of an e-government system that will reduce data redundancy will enhance the implementation of the practice. The government should apt the effort being put in the initiative for faster progress.
The challenges of implementing such a system can be overwhelming if not checked appropriately. IT-based systems are necessarily costly when it comes to initial financial outlays. Although Stuart (22) argued that the main issue of concern in this undertaking regards people, the infrastructure is equally an important factor to consider. The government would be disadvantaged if the right infrastructure is not in place. Even so, the human aspect is an important determinant of success in the implementation of the cross-functional e-government system. The government should consider effective project management as well as change management. If properly managed, the two aspects above will increase the chance of success significantly.
Compliance of businesses with government agency requirements is very important to both parties. Reduced redundancy between will consequently reduce costs and time. The future of this relationship will defined by an elaborate e-government system that supports cross functional services for government agencies. Adequate resources should therefore be allotted to this initiative in order to overcome the challenges and speed up the implementation and bring the anticipated benefits.
Works Cited
Stuart, Kelsey. Transforming Business-Government Relationships. Federal Computer Week, 16.17 (2002):
21-22. Web.
