E-Government and the Role of CIO

The role of CIO is examined in the context of three successful e-government implementations in the U.S. The leadership role of CIO turns out to be crucial to the utilization of information technology for competitive gains: cheap government, speedy service, and increased satisfaction of citizens. A balanced leadership model emerges. An effective CIO should strike a balance between strategic and operational leadership roles, as well as between forceful and enabling leadership roles. To take a maximum advantage of IT, we propose government CIO positions with responsibility, power, and qualification specified along the balanced leadership model need to be created in Korea through legislation.