Information Technology, Organization, and Productivity in the Public Sector: Evidence from Police Departments
- 1 January 2010
- journal article
- Published by University of Chicago Press in Journal of Labor Economics
- Vol. 28 (1), 167-201
- https://doi.org/10.1086/649844
Abstract
We examine the relationship between information technology (IT), productivity, and organization using a new panel data set of police departments that covers 1987-2003. When considered alone, increases in IT are not associated with reductions in crime rates, increases in clearance rates, or other productivity measures, and computing technology that increases reported crime actually generates the appearance of lower productivity. These results persist across various samples, specifications, and IT measures. IT investments are, however, linked to improved productivity when they are complemented with particular organizational and management practices, such as those associated with the Compstat program. (c) 2010 by The University of Chicago. All rights reserved..Keywords
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