Every activity of a public administration has an informational and a communicative aspect. Therefore, it may be expected that the institutionalization of electronic information and communication technologies (ICTs) in public administration would have a fundamental impact on the way in which public administration functions. Although this basic assumption is generally adhered to, it is not uncontested. This article first presents the shifts in management attention during the early phases of ICT use within public administration. Second, some theoretical approaches to informatization are discussed. Third, the dominant focus of public managers on effectiveness, efficiency, and economy as the main purpose of the use of ICTs in the implementation of policies are highlighted. Fourth, the growing emphasis on service delivery with ICTs are commented upon. Fifth, the democratic possibilities of ICT applications are discussed. Finally, the main strategic challenges of e-Government for public management, in terms of the technical, organizational and institutional barriers that will have to be surmounted, are demonstrated.