Abstract
Using the Belief Action Outcome (BAO) framework as a theoretical basis, this study investigates the mechanisms that link organizational beliefs about environmental sustainability with Green information system (IS) actions that are undertaken and, hence, the organizational benefits accruing from these actions. Survey data were collected from 156 small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and analyzed using Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM). The results support the notion that Green IS endeavors lead to increased organizational benefits. External pressures from stakeholders and employees’ attitudes to environmental sustainability affect the organizational attitude to Green IS. The attitude to Green IS is further translated into the organization’s strategy and corresponding Green IS actions, resulting in organizational benefits. This study’s main contribution lies in establishing a link between personal attitudes, institutional mechanisms, internal environmental/sustainability initiatives, and performance implications. Green IS adoption was empirically validated considering the SME context.
Highlights
In recent years, several environmental and sustainability studies have suggested that smart use of information technology (IT) and information systems (IS) can substantially help green the planet [1,2]
People who are important to me are committed to environmental protection (SN1) People who are important to me expect me to care for the environment (SN2) People who are important to me use Green IS (SN3) People who are important to me expect me to use Green IS (SN4)
This study enhances understanding of the use of Green IS in translating sustainability strategy into organizational performance outcomes
Summary
Several environmental and sustainability studies have suggested that smart use of information technology (IT) and information systems (IS) can substantially help green the planet [1,2]. Since organizations are increasingly recognizing environmental sustainability as an urgent problem, they might adopt a range of different ‘Green’ practices to enhance the efficiency of their business processes. According to Loeser [3], ‘Green’ refers to technologies and/or processes that are environmentally friendly and have a smaller negative impact on the natural environment than conventional ones. The role of smart use of IT/IS in contributing to environmentally responsible human activity has been widely discussed in the literature, whereas the terms Green IT and Green IS have often been used interchangeably, synonymously, and/or without acknowledging the differences [4]. Loeser [3] unambiguously distinguishes the scopes of Green IT and Green IS, describing the concepts as follows:
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