Red Tape, Corruption and ICT

This chapter focuses on that aspect of ICT which reduces the length of red tape and analyses the desirability of introduction of ICT from the stakeholders’ perspective. In a theoretical model, we show that the support for such a reform depends on the stakeholders’ profile, the nature of the public good/service and the initial length of red tape. The implementation of ICT in delivery of public goods/services may create demand for an honest regime. However, paradoxically, the support for ICT reform is expected to be lower in countries marred with long red tape and entrenched corruption. The chapter also provides empirical support for the theoretical results.