To share or not to share? Examining the factors influencing local agency electronic information sharing

The ability of local government agencies to effectively utilise technologies to share information constitutes a critical element in nationwide efforts to fight terrorism, combat crime, and protect citizen safety. Alarmingly, current practices have neither effectively transferred information that local government agencies need, nor adequately captured and propagated information generated by local authorities. The objective of this study is to understand the factors influencing local agency electronic information sharing. The results of an in-depth case study provide a comprehensive understanding of the technological, agency and environmental factors that promote or inhibit electronic information sharing by local agencies. An extensive set of recommendations is put forth to enable government officials to enhance the success of electronic information sharing initiatives. Moreover, the findings carry several important implications for theory and practice.