IMPACT OF INFORMATION COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY ON ADMINISTRATIVE EFFICIENCY (A CASE STUDY OF LOCAL GOVERNMENTS IN OGUN STATE)

CHAPTER ONE

BACKGROUND OF THE STUDY

INTRODUCTION

There is a rapid development in the use of information communication technology in many establishments. Information communication technology plays a vital role in the recent knowledge based economy hence, organizations tend to rely seriously on information communication technology solutions in order to develop and grow their businesses (Asgarkhani and Young, 2010). The recent development in the use of information communication technology has renowned implications for economic and social growth and has pervaded every aspect of human life (Shanker, 2014). The use of Information communication technology is widespread and regarded as an essential tool for the efficient administration of any organization and in the delivery of services to clients. Schware (2012), states that Information communication technology are being integrated into procedures, structures, and products throughout businesses, governments, and communities. The use of Information communication technology increases the supply of information as Information communication technology plays a key role in information sharing and dissemination. According to Spanos et al. (2015), Information communication technology removes distance and time constraint in accessing required information flows. Information communication technology also reduces the cost of production as knowledge is produced, transmitted, accessed and shared at the minimum cost. There is a reduction in the degree of inefficiencies and uncertainty with the use of Information communication technology because it enables businesses to interact more efficiently (Buhalis, 2012). Shanker (2014) ascertains that the use of Information communication technology in many organizations has assisted in reducing transactional cost, overcome the constraints of distance and have cut across geographic boundaries thereby assisting to improve harnessing of activities within organizational goals and boundaries. Also, Spanos et al (2012) state that customers and suppliers are able to share information and move goods across national borders with the use of information communication technology, which helps to increase access to global supply chains. Information communication technology has also led to more transparency in organizations since it enables networking and information sharing that leads to demands for greater openness and transparency (Shanker, 2014; Kollberg and Dreyer, 2006). Jiménez-Zarco et al. (2006) further argue that information communication technology plays an important role in acquiring, creating and managing knowledge as it enables the diffusion of organizational data that can be crucial for proper decision making and control at all levels. Likewise, information communication technology helps in organizational planning and improves organizational communication and flexibility. The major concern of many countries in recent time is how to reestablish their public service for effective and efficient service delivery. Consequently government of nations have taken it upon themselves to carry out various reforms in the public sector by redesigning the structures, systems and processes to improve the delivering of services to their citizens (Adeyeye & Aladesanmi, 2010).The public service of any country is an institution of governance and administration established mainly to deliver public good to the people in the most efficient and effective manner. The public service is an influential institution for service delivery and development (Kauzya, 2011). Information and communication technology (Information communication technology) is known as an extended synonym for information technology (IT) which can be defined as a diverse set of technological tools and resources. These resources are used to communicate, create, disseminate, store and manage the information such as radio, television, computer, internet, mobile phones and fax machine (Tinio, 2012). In the age of booming technology, running a business without or less technologies is like trying to breathe without lungs (Christiana, 2014). The introduction of management ideas especially in the area of information communication technology into public sector also encourages good customer relation services. The invention and introduction of information communication technology in Nigerian public services presents opportunities for its use to facilitate effective service delivery as many countries have embraced it as a way forward. Effective service delivery is crucial for the survival of a modern democracy or government and access to government information by citizens and organizations is therefore a primary ingredient in effective service delivery. To this end, information communication technology is seen as a tool to support the work of governmental institutions and agencies with the objective of delivering public services and information in a more convenient, citizen centric and cost effective manner. As such, in Nigerian public service, Information communication technology can be an effective tool to enable increased access to government services, improved value for money as well as increased productivity, transparency and better service delivery (Achimugu, 2011). In Nigeria, the public service is a product of colonialism, initially established as an instrument for expediently implementing the administrative structure and activities of the British colonialist for exploitation and domination. It has since after independence in 1960 metamorphosed to a huge and complex system for harnessing the country’s resources to facilitate economic development (Inyang, 2014). The duty of public service of Nigeria among others has been “to carry out the burden of planning and with the problems of growth and development in order to transform our natural resources into goods and services that would meet the rising expectations of the people ” (Mamser, 2012).

1.2 STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM

In spite of the above discussion, one of the major challenges to public service in Nigeria is inability to deliver service to the people effectively and efficiently. Public service delivery in Nigeria has been described as poor, inefficient and ineffective, inconsistent with citizen preferences. It is often subject of ridicule because of its rigidity. These problems are mostly due to lack of accountability, transparency, high cost of administration, wastage and lack of commitment in making services work for the citizenry (World Bank, 2012). Arising from the above, the challenge of service delivery affects all citizens who demand quality services from public service. There is no doubt that the challenges and complexities of service delivery are widening in the Nigerian public sector. It is against this background that this study examines information and communication technology) and the ways it has effectively impacted on administrative efficiency in Nigeria with particular reference to local government in Ogun state, Nigeria.

1.3. AIMS AND OBJECTIVES OF THE STUDY

The major aim of the study is to examine impact of information communication technology on administrative efficiency.  Other specific objectives of the study include;

1. To examine the availability and use of information communication technology in performing administrative functions in Ogun state Local Government Council.
2. To examine how information communication technology (INFORMATION COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY) has helped to improve service delivery to the citizen in Ogun state local government.
3. To examine the impact of information communication technology on administrative efficiency in Ogun Local Government Council.
4. To access the problems hindering the use of information communication technology in performing administrative functions.
5. To examine the relationship between information communication technology and administrative efficiency.
6. To examine the ways in which government can improve the use of information communication technology so as to enhance administrative efficiency in Ogun state local government council.

1.4. RESEARCH QUESTIONS

1. What is the level of the availability and use of information communication technology in performing administrative functions in Ogun state Local Government Council?
2. In what ways has information communication technology has helped to improve service delivery to the citizen in Ogun state local government?
3. What is the impact of information communication technology on administrative efficiency in Ogun Local Government Council?
4. What are the problems hindering the use of information communication technology in performing administrative functions?
5. What is the relationship between information communication technology and administrative efficiency?
6. What are the ways in which government can improve the use of information communication technology so as to enhance administrative efficiency in Ogun state local government council?

1.5. RESEARCH HYPOTHESES

Hypothesis 1

H0: There is no significant impact of information communication technology on administrative efficiency in Ogun Local Government Council.

H1: There is a significant impact of information communication technology on administrative efficiency in Ogun Local Government Council.

Hypothesis 2

H0: There is no significant relationship between information communication technology and administrative efficiency.

H1: There is a significant relationship between information communication technology and administrative efficiency.

1.6. SIGNIFICANCE OF THE STUDY

The study would be of benefit towards development of information and communication technology (INFORMATION COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY) in the local governments which will enhance and  effectively impact on public service delivery in Ogun state and Nigeria at large. The study would also be of immense benefit to students, researchers and scholars who are interested in developing further studies on the subject matter.

1. SCOPE AND LIMITATION OF THE STUDY

The study is restricted to impact of information communication technology on administrative efficiency, Case study of local governments in Ogun state.

1.7. LIMITATION OF THE STUDY

Financial constraint: Insufficient fund tends to impede the efficiency of the researcher in sourcing for the relevant materials, literature or information and in the process of data collection (internet, questionnaire and interview)

Time constraint: The researcher will simultaneously engage in this study with other academic work. This consequently will cut down on the time devoted for the research work.

1.8 DEFINITION OF TERMS

Information Communication Technology: Is an electronic way of information dissemination that promotes an interaction between providers and users of information through application of information processing system in the country. Information communication technology is seen as computer systems, telecommunication, networks and multi-media application that enhances knowledge for the execution of given task which entails skills and processes necessary for carrying out activities in a given context.

Administrative efficiency: can be interpreted as the efficiency of the gathering, processing and communicating of information.