Using the lens of Max Weber's Theory of Bureaucracy to examine E-Government Research

Kurt Lewin famously proclaimed, “There is nothing so practical as good theory”, signifying that a good theory lends itself to being applied in a variety of contexts. This paper uses the lens of Max Weber’s theory of bureaucracy to examine contemporary EGovernment related research and literature. Two major, prevailing themes emerge from this exercise. The first theme that emerges is that IT (information technology) is a tool for ‘reforming’ bureaucracy. The second, somewhat contradictory, theme is that EGovernment failure may be explained as a consequence of bureaucracy. Each of these themes is discussed in detail. These themes are also explored via case studies. The paper concludes that current E-Government research does not offer adequate clarity on the issue of how E-Government and bureaucracy impact each other in reciprocal ways; and calls for future research into these issues.