A Green Internet of Things (GIoT) Adoption Framework to Enhance Environmental Performance of SMEs Through the Digital Social Networking

Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) face increasing pressure to adopt sustainable practices, yet the adoption of advanced technologies like the Green Internet of Things (GIoT) remains limited. This study addresses this gap by proposing and validating a GIoT adoption framework aimed at enhancing environmental performance, emphasizing the mediating role of digital social networking (DSN). Extending the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT), the model incorporates perceived motivation and perceived environmental knowledge as additional predictors. A quantitative survey of 614 SME owners and managers from manufacturing and service sectors was conducted, and structural equation modelling (SEM) was used for analysis. Results show that all UTAUT constructs, along with the extended variables, significantly influence GIoT adoption. GIoT adoption directly improves environmental performance and promotes DSN, which further amplifies its positive environmental impact. The study also reveals that manufacturing SMEs exhibit a stronger intent to adopt GIoT. Implications for policy and practice are discussed.