Computing in small local governments: a view from the American great plains

Abstract

Earlier studies of computing in American local governments focused on large cities (populations over 50,000) and counties (populations over 100.000). These studies showed, among other things, that routine housekeeping functions were the most likely governmental activities to be computerized, and that variables such as size, type and form of government were positively associated with computer adoption. This study in a single state in the Great Plains region of the United States produced largely similar findings for computer adoption and use among small local governments: most functions that were automated involved financial management, and the variables of size and type of government, although not necessarily form, were positively associated with computer adoption. Contrary to earlier studies, however, governmental size was inversely related to future plans to acquire computers; perceived financial condition was not related to whether local governments planned future computer system acquisitions.