Using Green IT governance as a catalyst to improve sustainable practices adoption: a contingency theory perspective

Abstract

The study aims to investigate Green information technology (IT) governance implementation as a facilitator for sustainable practice adoption in IT-based organisation. Accordingly, a Green IT governance model is developed based on the contingency theory and IT governance archetypes to facilitate sustainable practice adoption. The model components and associated metrics were verified using semi-structured interview and sustainability documents from three IT-based organisations in Malaysia. Results from this study show the developed model supports IT practitioners in IT-based organisations implements Green IT governance for sustainable practice adoption. Further results reveal that the model supports decision makers define roles and responsibilities and also creates the relevant relationships within IT organisations. Theoretically, this study provides insights to IT managers towards acquiring an agenda on the implication of Green IT governance for their organisation. Practically, this study provides a reference on how IT organisations can support decision-making when implementing environmental governance strategies.