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Digital Sustainability in the Organization: Scale Development and Validation

Author

Listed:
  • Tai Ming Wut

    (College of Professional and Continuing Education, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong 100077, China)

  • Daisy Lee

    (College of Professional and Continuing Education, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong 100077, China)

  • Wai Man Ip

    (Crowe (HK) CPA Limited, Hong Kong 100043, China)

  • Stephanie W. Lee

    (College of Professional and Continuing Education, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong 100077, China)

Abstract

This study aims to develop a measurement scale for the digital sustainability practices in the organization. Considering that digital sustainability practices vary across industries and context, this study develops a scale of digital sustainability metrics, which is based on a comprehensive literature review. The proposed model was then tested with partial least squares-structural equation modelling (PLS-SEM). Several phases of qualitative and quantitative investigations of employees were conducted to propose and validate the construct of digital sustainability. The scale development process consists of initial item generation, item refinement, validity assessment and model testing. Four dimensions, namely, content, technology, preservation and promotion, were identified. A 16-item scale was proposed and validated. Theoretical and practical implications were discussed. Practitioners should focus on investing behind organisational resources and technologies that enhance the operationalisation of digital sustainability rather than seeking to promote the understanding of the concept and importance of digital sustainability. This study addresses the research gap, combining a focus group interview and literature review, followed by conceptualization and validation of a measurement scale of digital sustainability. Digital sustainability was validated as a manifestation of the availability, preservation, promotion and technological aspect of digital content in corporations.

Suggested Citation

  • Tai Ming Wut & Daisy Lee & Wai Man Ip & Stephanie W. Lee, 2021. "Digital Sustainability in the Organization: Scale Development and Validation," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 13(6), pages 1-14, March.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:13:y:2021:i:6:p:3530-:d:522052
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Hair, Joe F. & Howard, Matt C. & Nitzl, Christian, 2020. "Assessing measurement model quality in PLS-SEM using confirmatory composite analysis," Journal of Business Research, Elsevier, vol. 109(C), pages 101-110.
    2. Igor Linkov & Benjamin D. Trump & Kelsey Poinsatte-Jones & Marie-Valentine Florin, 2018. "Governance Strategies for a Sustainable Digital World," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 10(2), pages 1-8, February.
    3. World Commission on Environment and Development,, 1987. "Our Common Future," OUP Catalogue, Oxford University Press, number 9780192820808.
    4. Karatepe, Osman M. & Choubtarash, Homa, 2014. "The effects of perceived crowding, emotional dissonance, and emotional exhaustion on critical job outcomes: A study of ground staff in the airline industry," Journal of Air Transport Management, Elsevier, vol. 40(C), pages 182-191.
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    Cited by:

    1. Teresa Riso & Carla Morrone, 2023. "To Align Technological Advancement and Ethical Conduct: An Analysis of the Relationship between Digital Technologies and Sustainable Decision-Making Processes," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(3), pages 1-21, January.
    2. Maria José Sá & Ana Isabel Santos & Sandro Serpa & Carlos Miguel Ferreira, 2021. "Digitainability—Digital Competences Post-COVID-19 for a Sustainable Society," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 13(17), pages 1-22, August.
    3. Fazal Ur Rehman & Basheer M. Al-Ghazali & Adel Ghaleb Haddad & Ehab Abdullatif Qahwash & M. Sadiq Sohail, 2023. "Exploring the Reverse Relationship between Circular Economy Innovation and Digital Sustainability—The Dual Mediation of Government Incentives," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(6), pages 1-21, March.
    4. Rubina Canesi & Giuliano Marella, 2022. "Towards European Transitions: Indicators for the Development of Marginal Urban Regions," Land, MDPI, vol. 12(1), pages 1-20, December.

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