Drivers to Promote the Adoption of Green Information Communication Technology in South African SMEs

Abstract

Despite the numerous benefits of green information and communication technology (GICT), the adoption rate among small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in South Africa remains low. Limited financial resources, lack of awareness, inadequate technical skills and insufficient government support hinder effective implementation and integration of GICT. The objective is to identify the most prominent drivers for enhancing the adoption of GICT after which recommendations can be made. By understanding these drivers, SMEs can be encouraged to adopt GICT practices to benefit from them. The identified drivers, drawn from existing literature, were incorporated into a measurement tool. Data was gathered through an electronic survey using a self-administered questionnaire. The perceptions of respondents regarding the drivers of GICT adoption were examined. An exploratory factor analysis revealed that the most prominent drivers for enhancing GICT adoption are eco-friendliness, environmental conditions, cost, and competitive advantage. It is recommended that SMEs adopt a proactive approach to integrating GICT initiatives into their business strategies. By fostering collaborations with other businesses, industry stakeholders, and policymakers, SMEs can lead the way in establishing robust environmental certification practices. The study concludes that these types of partnerships will not only enhance sustainability efforts but also position SMEs as leaders in the transition to greener, more efficient operations.