ABSTRACT
Microcomputers are messengers of change. They bring profound new powers in information technology (IT) when their message is understood and acted upon. This chapter concerns the quality of the IT message, largely the province of development-assistance groups, and its reception by developing-country administrators. It examines policies and policy modifications that will help make the IT message clear and the response appropriate and will result in the successful introduction and use of microcomputers in developing countries. Critical issues and experiences in selecting, establishing, and evaluating IT policies are covered in sections on development-assistance policies and strategies, developing-country experiences, technology transfer and development, information-technology management, and information systems. The use of new technologies for information transfer, when used in conjunction with conventional forms of communication, will help increase efficiency of government services and allow greater initiative by those involved in the development process.
