Digital sustainability in organizations

: a mixed-method capability model

Abstract

Digital transformation and sustainability are among the most influential megatrends driving organizational change. Their convergence creates both opportunities and structural tensions. Yet, most organizations lack the capabilities to integrate them systematically. This thesis conceptualizes digital sustainability (DS) as a capability-based response to this dual pressure. Building on dynamic capabilities theory and prior work in Green Information Systems, a capability-based maturity model is developed to assess how organizations institutionalize DS across structures and processes. The model comprises six capability dimensions and four maturity stages. It is grounded in qualitative expert interviews (n = 15) and applied in a quantitative pilot study (n)=)75) using Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM). The results identify four key insights. First, DS remains weakly institutionalized, with maturity levels concentrated in early stages. Second, capability development is fragmented and uneven, often limited to isolated initiatives. Third, maturity varies across sectors and firm sizes, with higher scores in consulting and start-up environments, while industrial incumbents lag behind. Fourth, the model provides a diagnostic framework for identifying capability gaps and guiding targeted development. This thesis provides a practical and theory-informed tool to assess and advance DS in organizations. It offers actionable guidance for scholars and practitioners seeking to embed DS in organizational practice.

Date of Award	30 Jun 2025
Original language	English
Awarding Institution	Universidade Católica Portuguesa
Supervisor	René Bonhsack (Supervisor)