Book Review: Recoding America—Why Government Is Failing in the Digital Age and How We Can Do Better

Abstract

In this book, Jennifer Pahlka argues that government failure in implementing digital services and user-centered information technologies is a complex problem that requires re-envisioning our ways of thinking about government organization and policy. In the initial chapters of the book, she first introduces the complexity of developing effective digital services considering technology, institutional and organizational factors. The author argues that one way of re-conceptualizing government includes simpler policy and requirements, increased discretion to public managers in implementing policy, and skilled leaders that collaborate with stakeholders in developing lean services supported by product management tools. That is, switching into a mindset that places the citizen at the center and works continuously toward the services that we all need. Although key proposals are controversial and may lead to increased inequality, the book is challenging and a worthwhile read for both practitioners and researchers of digital government.