The role of IS for eco-sustainability practices

Verbatim frrom: Brown & Dillard, 2005 (JIS)

In the information systems literature, Shaft et al. (2002) showed that information sys- tems can help an organization move toward environmentally responsive business practices. They identified a range of organizational information systems and discussed how these systems may support environmentally oriented decision making.

In a series of interviews with chemical and process industries, Kleindorfer and Snir (2001) examined the role of information systems in an environmentally responsive supply chain. They suggested ways to improve business performance and reduce risk by capturing and attending to natural system information.

Allenby et al. (2001) provided a thoughtful overview of the integration of information systems, organizations, and environ- mental initiatives, and argued that meeting the environmental imperatives of the future requires better and richer information.

While the information system literature provides some general notion that information technology can improve decision making, Brown & Dillard (2005) add to this literature by providing a framework for understanding and prescribing the AIS specifics based on organizational motivation.

References:

Kleindorfer, P. R., and E. M. Snir. 2001. Environmental information in supply-chain design and
coordination. In Information Systems and the Environment, edited by D. J. Richards, B. R.
Allenby, and W. D. Compton. Washington, D.C.: National Academy Press.

Shaft, T. M., M. P. Sharfman, and M. Swahn. 2002. Using interorganizational information systems to
support environmental management efforts at ASG. Journal of Industrial Ecology 5 (4): 95–
115.

Allenby, W. D. Compton, and D. J. Richards. 2001. Information systems and the environment: Over- view and perspectives. In Information Systems and the Environment, edited by D. J. Richards,
B. R. Allenby, and W. D. Compton. Washington, D.C.: National Academy Press.