Toward smart and green: A sustainable IT-HRM framework

Abstract

Universities are adopting modern technologies to become “Smart University”. However, unthoughtful consumption of technology may result in environmental degradation. Green IT focuses on minimizing the impact of IT products and their usage on the environment. So far, previous IT research on sustainability has mostly explored the role of IT in the reduction of energy consumption of firms. The present research is one of the initial studies that goes beyond the reduction of energy consumption. It introduces a framework to promote sustainability at the individual level, and gain sustained competitive advantage in Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) by integrating IT and HRM. 244 usable data, collected from HEIs employees of India, were analyzed using structural equation modeling (SEM). Results revealed that Green IT knowledge has a direct impact on Green IT practices in HEIs. Further, attitude toward Green IT mediates the relationship between Green IT knowledge and Green IT practices, and green training moderates the relationship between Green IT knowledge and Green IT practices. Green hiring had no significant impact on Green IT practices. The findings suggest policy advices to promote sustainability at HEIs.