Green information technology adoption: influencing factors and extension of theory of planned behavior

Abstract

PurposeThe effect of global warming on our environment has shifted the focus to green technologies worldwide. Subsequently, multiple research studies have attempted to assess awareness around the concept of “Green IT” in different countries. This paper aims to examine the factors that affect the intention to use green information technology (IT) (INT) and their subsequent influence on the actual use of green IT (ACT) among students in the context of a developing country.Design/methodology/approachThe data were collected using survey questionnaires administered to six public university students. A total of 633 valid questionnaires were received and analyzed using structural equation modeling.FindingsA positive relationship of INT with attitude toward green IT, subjective norms toward green IT, perceived behavioral control toward green IT, consideration of future consequences and openness was found, and also, a positive relationship between INT and ACT was found.Originality/valueMany of prior research focused on factors influencing green IT adoption and usage from the organizational point of view, and there is not much literature dedicated to the study of IT users’ belief and behavior about green IT. Moreover, most studies tend to focus on developed nations, while a lesser number of studies gave consideration to developing nations. This study proposes a research framework that incorporated two personality trait factors to the theory of planned behavior to investigate individual factors influencing INT among students in the context of a developing country.