Embedding Sustainability: Sociotechnical Knowledge Management Guidelines for Digital Decarbonization in the Society 5.0 Era

Hanlie Smuts () and Alta van der Merwe
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Hanlie Smuts: Department of Informatics, University of Pretoria, Pretoria 0083, South Africa
Alta van der Merwe: Department of Informatics, University of Pretoria, Pretoria 0083, South Africa

Sustainability, 2025, vol. 17, issue 3, 1-16

Abstract: Economic, social, and environmental sustainability emphasizes the need for organizations to integrate sustainability strategies into their core business and business development plans. The era of Society 5.0 is characterized by human-centeredness and digital leadership. It requires embedding sustainability practices and Green Information Technology (IT) while leveraging human–technology relationships to promote social good. However, embedding these practices into organizational culture is challenging due to resistance to change and the need for widespread mindset shifts. This study selected a focus group of eight South African participants to define sociotechnical knowledge management (KM) guidelines for embedding sustainable practices in organizations to promote digital decarbonization aligned with the Society 5.0 vision. Our findings suggest ten elements for the guidelines to incorporate: external environment, organizational context, business drivers, business outcomes, monitoring and evaluation, KM processes, technology enablers, sociotechnical KM tactics, knowledge assets, and execution considerations. By adopting such guidelines as a sustainability strategy, organizations can integrate KM practices into the human-centered and cyber-physical philosophy of Society 5.0. This approach aligns employee behavior with technological tools, enabling organizations to make data-driven decisions, reduce digital waste, and foster a culture of environmental responsibility. In addition, this approach enhances collaboration and innovation, benefiting all stakeholders and advancing sustainable development.

Keywords: sustainability; sociotechnical guidelines; knowledge management; digital decarbonization; Society 5.0 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
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