Integrating environmental sustainability and change management into responsible digital transformation by means of a qualitative expert interview study

Abstract

This thesis examines how environmental sustainability and socially responsible change management can be integrated into digital transformation (DT), advancing the concept of environmentally and socially responsible digital transformation (ESR-DT). It reframes DT as a strategic challenge that calls for balancing economic viability, environmental sustainability and social responsibility, amid rising policy and stakeholder expectations. Expanding digital footprints, growing volumes of e-waste and persistent rebound effects heighten the pressure on organisations to comply, maintain legitimacy and remain competitive—making responsible DT indispensable. Methodologically, the study combines three pillars: a literature review, fifteen semi-structured interviews with practitioners from consulting, industry, public institutions and academia conducted between May and July 2025, and an integrative analytical framework that structures analysis across technological, environmental and social dimensions. The findings suggest that DT is most effective when it is purpose-driven, strategically aligned and deliberately planned, rather than being technology-led. In terms of technology, organisations benefit from clear problem definition, realistic scope and phased delivery that links digital initiatives to business objectives. In terms of the environment, DT should be aligned with planetary boundaries by embedding ecological criteria from the outset, combining Green IT/IS with value-based approaches such as digital sufficiency and sobriety. In the social dimension, change management is essential. Early and genuine participation, supportive leadership and cultural integration foster adoption, safeguard legitimacy and ensure sustainable outcomes. Overall, this thesis demonstrates that ESR-DT is a strategic capability, not an add-on. Integrating technological, environmental and social logics into a single decision-making framework improves adoption, reduces unintended ecological impacts and strengthens legitimacy. Three cross-cutting enablers — needs orientation, deliberate planning and continuous awareness — offer a pragmatic basis for embedding responsibility into everyday governance and metrics. Organisations that cultivate this capability are better positioned to create durable value and resilience in a rapidly evolving context.