The Green IT Practices of Nokia, Samsung, Sony, and Sony Ericsson: Content Analysis Approach

The challenge of responding to the environmental issues has changed many aspects of the ways businesses operate, and this is particularly true of electronics companies. "Going green" in the IT industry is proving a major challenge, as significant shifts in thinking are needed to secure the benefits associated with being green. Using a content analysis method, we have investigated and expanded the concept of Green IT, as implemented by four major electronic companies. By analyzing these companies\´ environmental reports, we have established a set of theoretical concepts of Green IT, driven by companies\´ practical implementations. We proposed nine propositions outlining the theoretical implications. Additionally, our analysis demonstrated that the principal focus of electronic companies is green disposal practices, followed by energy efficiency efforts. We also concluded that regulations and policies coupled with heightened awareness and environmental responsibility on the part of the company can encourage Green IT innovation. This paper also provides a discussion of the results and of the contributions made by this research.