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The Role of Information Systems in the Sustainable Development of Enterprises: A Systematic Literature Network Analysis

Author

Listed:
  • Fan Zeng

    (Business Division, Institute of Textiles and Clothing, Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Kowloon, Hong Kong 999077, China)

  • Stacy Hyun Nam Lee

    (Department of Hospitality and Retail Management, Texas Tech University, Lubbock, TX 79409, USA)

  • Chris Kwan Yu Lo

    (Business Division, Institute of Textiles and Clothing, Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Kowloon, Hong Kong 999077, China)

Abstract

Information Systems (IS) play an important role in improving the efficiency of firms’ operations and supply chains, which links to sustainability. Therefore, this study conducted a systematic literature network analysis to review 132 articles that discuss current trends in the IS discipline. Based on a citation network analysis, this study discovered three main research domains (sustainable competitive advantage, environmental sustainability, and sustainable online social communities), and two emerging research domains (the role of IS in developing countries and sustainable information infrastructures). Furthermore, a main path analysis was conducted to understand the knowledge structure of each research domain. This addresses how different trends are reflected in the IS literature related to improving firms’ competitive advantages and environmental sustainability. The results found that the sustainable competitiveness of enterprises is improved by the synergy between IS and other recourses within in the enterprises. Green IS initiatives not only solve the issues of environmental sustainability, but also enhance sustainable competitive advantage (i.e., stock price). As social media becomes the optimal enterprise communication channel, this study discusses the factors affecting sustainable online social community, such as structural dynamics (i.e., membership size, communication activity), social dynamics (the basic nature of interactions among members), participation costs, and topic consistency. Overall, the Information System literature is highly focused on three areas—economy, environment, and society, which supports Triple Bottom Line theory.

Suggested Citation

  • Fan Zeng & Stacy Hyun Nam Lee & Chris Kwan Yu Lo, 2020. "The Role of Information Systems in the Sustainable Development of Enterprises: A Systematic Literature Network Analysis," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 12(8), pages 1-29, April.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:12:y:2020:i:8:p:3337-:d:347879
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    Cited by:

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    3. Marwa Ghanem & Ibrahim Elshaer & Alaa Shaker, 2020. "The Successful Adoption of IS in the Tourism Public Sector: The Mediating Effect of Employees’ Trust," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 12(9), pages 1-18, May.
    4. Viviana D’Angelo & Valeria Belvedere, 2023. "Green Supply Chains and Digital Supply Chains: Identifying Overlapping Areas," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(12), pages 1-18, June.
    5. Radhwan Sneesl & Yusmadi Yah Jusoh & Marzanah A. Jabar & Salfarina Abdullah, 2022. "Revising Technology Adoption Factors for IoT-Based Smart Campuses: A Systematic Review," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 14(8), pages 1-27, April.
    6. Yeboah, Samuel, 2023. "Unlocking the Potential of Technological Innovations for Sustainable Agriculture in Developing Countries: Enhancing Resource Efficiency and Environmental Sustainability," MPRA Paper 118215, University Library of Munich, Germany, revised 26 Jul 2023.
    7. Wu, Kuo-Jui & Tseng, Ming-Lang & Yang, Wen-Hua & Ali, Mohd Helmi & Chen, Xiaobo, 2023. "Re-shaping sustainable value chain model under post pandemic disruptions: A fast fashion supply chain analysis," International Journal of Production Economics, Elsevier, vol. 255(C).
    8. Yeboah, Samuel, 2023. "Unlocking the Potential of Technological Innovations for Sustainable Agriculture in Developing Countries: Enhancing Resource Efficiency and Environmental Sustainability," MPRA Paper 118216, University Library of Munich, Germany, revised 04 Aug 2023.
    9. Fang Han & Sejun Yoon & Nagarajan Raghavan & Hyunseok Park, 2022. "Investigating Company’s Technical Development Directions Based on Internal Knowledge Inheritance and Inventor Capabilities: The Case of Samsung Electronics," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 14(5), pages 1-19, March.
    10. Qing (Ray) Cao & Andrew N. K. Chen & Bradley T. Ewing & Mark A. Thompson, 2021. "Evaluating Information System Success and Impact on Sustainability Practices: A Survey and a Case Study of Regional Mesonet Information Systems," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 13(13), pages 1-23, June.

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