Computer Impacts on Saudi Arabian Public Bureaucracy

Abstract

This paper reports the findings of exploratory research on the impact of computers on management and organization in the public sector of a developing country using a sample of 42 work sub-units. Results show that computerization improved information received by management, who used this information in accordance with needs reflecting sub-unit work technology. Hypothesized effects on the number of positions and job content were not supported, but an association was found between computerization and a downward shift in the locus of decision-making. Results were interpreted to suggest the possible moderating effect of computer usage and societal culture.