Information Technology Reference
In-Depth Information
Chapter 14
Social Policy and Information
Communication Technologies
Paul Henman
The University of Queensland, Australia
abStract
This chapter examines the contribution of information communication technology (ICT) to the operation
of social and public policy. The governmentality analytic is introduced as a way in which to highlight
how ICT is used by the state in governing populations. The chapter identifies four ways ICTs relate to
social and public policy. First, social policy can be a response to ICT innovation and use. Second, ICT
is used to implement and administer social policy. Third, ICT is used to develop and evaluate social
policy. Fourth, the use of ICT can shape the very nature and substance of social policy. The chapter
illustrates these theoretical and conceptual approaches by examining the extensive and innovative use
of ICT in Australia's national income security agency, Centrelink.
'Each individual has a universal responsibility to
shape institutions to serve human needs'. -- His
Holiness the Dalai Lama
public policy, the management of government op-
erations, and the conduct of democratic processes.
This chapter specifically examines the relationship
between social policy and ICTs. While the focus
is on ICT use vis-à-vis social policy, as this is the
policy area of human services, the observations are
equally relevant to the broader domain of public (or
government) policy.
The term “social policy” refers to policies en-
acted by governments that contribute to individual
and collective well being. The term “policy” refers to
introDuction
Electronic information and communication tech-
nologies are now an indispensable element of the
operation of government. Governments utilize
ICTs for the delivery of government services,
the analysis, development and implementation of
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