Organizational Change Management Strategies in Addressing Employee Social Resistance During Green IT Transition
Keywords:
green it, change management, social resistance, organizational behavior, energy efficiency, digital leadership, environmental sustainabilityAbstract
The implementation of environmentally friendly technology (Green IT) in corporate environments frequently encounters significant barriers in the form of employee social resistance and behavioral opposition. This study aims to analyze the factors triggering workers' social resistance and to formulate an effective organizational change management strategy to support the Green IT transition. Utilizing a qualitative approach with a case study design, data were collected through in-depth interviews, observations, and internal documentation analysis. The findings reveal that social resistance stems from anxieties regarding increased workloads, disruptions to daily routines, and a lack of understanding of sustainability benefits. The application of a change management strategy focused on open dialogue, environmental-based digital literacy training, participatory leadership, and incentive schemes significantly reduced employee resistance. This study concludes that the harmonious integration of technology, management strategy, and social readiness is the primary key to achieving sustainable organizational transformation.
References
Abdullah, M. H. A. B., Gardi, B., & Darmawan, D. (2021). Innovation in Human Resource Management to enhance Organizational Competitiveness in the Era of Globalization. Journal of Social Science Studies, 1(1), 51–58.
AlMusbahi, I., Anderkairi, O., Nahhas, R. H., AlMuhammadi, B., & Hemalatha, M. (2017). Survey on Green Computing: Vision and Challenges. International Journal of Computer Applications, 167(10), 4–6.
Ara, F. (2018). Barriers to Implement Green ICT in Bangladesh: A Study on Organizations. International Journal of Computer Applications, 179(34), 43–47.
Ashiq, S., Chrysoulas, C., & Banissi, E. (2019). Conceptualising Green Awareness as Moderator in Technology Acceptance Model for Green IS/IT. In 2019 International Conference on Innovative Computing (ICIC), IEEE, 1-6.
Barzani, L. A., Darmawan, D., & Zulkarnain, M. A. B. (2022). The Application of Sustainable Supply Chain Management Principles in the Manufacturing Industry to Improve Operational Performance and Corporate Social Responsibility. International Journal of Service Science, Management, Engineering, and Technology, 1(1), 38–45.
Braun, V., & Clarke, V. (2006). Using Thematic Analysis in Psychology. Qualitative Research in Psychology, 3(2), 77-101.
Burnes, B. (2009). Managing Change (5th ed.). Pearson Education Limited, Horlow.
Cadena, J., & Jean, S. (2019). Qualitative Research: Interactions and Experiences. MedUNAB, 22(3), 292–293.
Dao, V., Langella, I., & Carbo, J. (2011). From Green IT to Sustainability IT: Innovation Embedding Framework and Collaborative Dimensions. The Journal of Strategic Information Systems, 20(1), 63-79.
Darmawan, D. (2017). The Effects of The Big Five Personality on Job Performance. Management & Accounting Research Journal, 2(1), 36–42.
Darmawan, D. (2023). Innovation Culture That Balances Technological Speed with the Depth of Humanistic Thought. International Journal of Service Science, Management, Engineering, and Technology, 4(1), 47–54.
Darmawan, D. (2023). Knowledge Management as a Source Of Competitive Advantage in Information Technology Companies. International Journal of Service Science, Management, Engineering, and Technology, 3(2), 44–50.
Darmawan, D. (2023). Measuring Employee Productivity in the Digital Era by Considering Human Creativity and Innovation. International Journal of Service Science, Management, Engineering, and Technology, 4(3), 47–53.
Darmawan, D. (2023). Social Inclusion for Older Workers in the Implementation of Digital Technology within Organizations. International Journal of Service Science, Management, Engineering, and Technology, 4(2), 44–51.
Darmawan, D. (2023). The Concept Of Remote Work: A Literature Review on its Impact on Work Dynamics, Psychological Well-Being, and Social Relationships Among Employees. International Journal of Service Science, Management, Engineering, and Technology, 3(3), 49–55.
Darmawan, D. (2024). Distribution of Six Major Factors Enhancing Organizational Effectiveness. Journal of Distribution Science, 22(4), 47–58.
Darmawan, D. (2024). Strategies for Enhancing Employee Knowledge fnd Engagement in Automated Routine Work. International Journal of Service Science, Management, Engineering, and Technology, 6(1), 65–71.
Darmawan, D. (2024). Workforce Diversity Management Strategies for Enhancing Innovation and Team Performance. International Journal of Service Science, Management, Engineering, and Technology, 5(2), 53–59. Retrieved from https://ejournalisse.com/index.php/isse/article/view/230
Darmawan, D. (2025). Job Redesign, Automation, and Digital Workforce Competencies in the Twenty-First Century. Bulletin of Science, Technology and Society, 4(3), 103–114.
Darmawan, D., & Mardikaningsih , R. (2023). The Role of Flexible Organizational Structures in Enhancing Corporate Adaptability to Environmental Dynamics. International Journal of Service Science, Management, Engineering, and Technology, 3(1), 44–49.
Darmawan, D., & Mardikaningsih, R. (2022). The Role of Positive Psychological Factors in Enhancing Employee Engagement and Commitment to Work Tasks. International Journal of Service Science, Management, Engineering, and Technology, 1(2), 37–45.
Darmawan, D., Mardikaningsih, R., Sinambela, E. A., Arifin, S., Putra, A. R., Hariani, M., Irfan, M., Al Hakim, Y. R., & Issalillah, F. (2020). The Quality of Human Resources, Job Performance and Employee Loyalty. International Journal of Psychosocial Rehabilitation, 24(3), 2580–2592.
Denzin, N. K. (2009). The Research Act: A Theoretical Introduction to Sociological Methods. Aldine Transaction, New York.
Eddine, B. A. S., Darmawan, D., Mardikaningsih, R., & Sinambela, E. A. (2023). The Effect of Knowledge Management and Quality of Work Life on Employee Commitment. Journal of Human Sciences, 10(1), 87–100.
Essa, N. E., & Mardikaningsih, R. (2021). Sustainability communication through green marketing: Strengthening consumer awareness and corporate environmental integrity. Journal of Social Science Studies, 1(2), 233-238.
Essa, N. E., & Mardikaningsih, R. (2023). Sustainable and fair technology for an equitable society. Journal of Social Science Studies, 3(1), 355-362.
Gotay, J. A. (2020). A Classical Delphi Study to Identify the Barriers of Green Information Technologies. Open Science Journal, 5(3), 1-22.
Halsey, M. (2022). Establishing Policies and Procedures for IT Use. In the Green IT Guide, Apress, Berkeley, 117–136.
Hankel, A., Heimeriks, G., & Lago, P. (2019). Green ICT Adoption Using a Maturity Model. Sustainability, 11(24), 1–21.
Hariani, M., Mardikaningsih, R., Darmawan, D., Nuraini, R., & Halizah, S. N. (2025, October). Transformational leadership, student participation, and campus digital communication: A systematic review of green management implementation in higher education. In Proceeding of International Management Conference and Progressive Papers (Vol. 3, No. 1).
Issalillah, F., & Khayru, R. K. (2025). Mental Health as an Organizational Construct: A Strategic Reorientation of Human Resource Management for Work Environment Design. International Journal of Service Science, Management, Engineering, and Technology, 8(3), 1–9.
Khayru, R. K. (2025). Digital Twins for Sustainable Infrastructure Management at Various Organizational Scales. Bulletin of Science, Technology and Society, 4(3), 13–24.
Koo, C., & Chung, N. (2014). Examining the Eco-Technological Knowledge of Individuals: A Green IT Adoption Perspective. Behavior & Information Technology, 33(8), 822-837.
Loock, C. M., Staake, T., & Thiesse, F. (2013). Motivating Energy-Efficient Behavior with Green IS: An Investigation of Goal Setting and the Role of Feedback. MIS Quarterly, 37(4), 1313-1332.
Luthra, S., Garg, D., & Haleem, A. (2015). Critical Success Factors for Implementing Green Supply Chain Management in Indian Manufacturing Industry. Journal of Cleaner Production, 96, 115-139.
Luthra, S., Kumar, V., Kumar, S., & Haleem, A. (2011). Barriers to Implement Green Supply Chain Management in Automobile Industry Using Interpretive Structural Modeling Technique. Journal of Industrial Engineering and Management, 4(2), 231-257.
Mardikaningsih, R. (2024). Change Management: The Contribution of Sustainable Human Resource Management to Organizational Commitment and Employee Innovative Behavior. Jurnal Simki Economic, 7(2), 452-464.
Mardikaningsih, R. (2024). Implementation of Green Innovation, Supply Chain Management and Technology Capability on Business Performance of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises. ARRUS Journal of Social Sciences and Humanities, 4(4), 467-480.
Mardikaningsih, R. (2024). Organizational Effectiveness and Green Human Resources Management. Bulletin of Science, Technology and Society, 3(1), 6–13.
Mardikaningsih, R. (2025). The Deconstruction of Work and HRM Reconfiguration: Flexibility and Employer Branding in the Digital Era. International Journal of Service Science, Management, Engineering, and Technology, 8(2), 10-17.
Mardikaningsih, R., & Darmawan, D. (2022). Situational Leadership Strategies to Improve Change Management and Team Performance. Journal of Social Science Studies, 2(1), 247–252.
Mardikaningsih, R., & Darmawan, D. (2022). The Role of Self-Efficacy in Predicting Employee Adaptability to Technological Change in the Workplace,. International Journal of Service Science, Management, Engineering, and Technology, 2(3), 43–55.
Mardikaningsih, R., & Darmawan, D. (2026). Drivers Of Green Behavior In Small Businesses: An Empirical Study On Environmental Values And Organizational Support. Jurnal Ilmiah Satyagraha, 9(1), 111-128.
Mardikaningsih, R., & Hariani, M. (2025). Building green skills to support sustainable economic transition in the workplace. International Journal of Service Science, Management, Engineering, and Technology, 7(2), 6-10.
Mardikaningsih, R., & Haryono, N. A. (2025). The Role Of Green Hrm And Managerial Support In Shaping-Environmental Actions. International Journal of Service Science, Management, Engineering, and Technology, 8(2), 17-193.
Mardikaningsih, R., & Radjawane, L. E. (2025). Building a Sustainable Work Culture Through Green Leadership and Adaptive Organizational Systems. JIPO: Journal of Industrial and Organizational Psychology, 33-40.
Mardikaningsih, R., & Wardoyo, D. T. W. (2024). Green technology integration in management for social and environmental sustainability. International Journal of Service Science, Management, Engineering, and Technology, 6(2), 6-10.
Mardikaningsih, R., Darmawan, D., & Victoria, O. A. (2026). Modeling environmental performance: Green human resource management, leadership, commitment, innovation, and cultural moderation. Jurnal Fokus Manajemen Bisnis, 16(1), 132-173.
Mardikaningsih, R., Darmawan, D., Khayru, R. K., & Issalillah, F. (2025, October). The influence of social media use on students’ knowledge of green management and pro-environmental attitudes. In Proceeding of International Management Conference and Progressive Papers (Vol. 3, No. 1).
Mardikaningsih, R., Halizah, S. N., Darmawan, D., Masithoh, N., & Nuraini, R. (2022). Examining the Role of Authentic Leadership in Shaping Positive Work Climate and Organizational Citizenship Behavior. International Journal of Service Science, Management, Engineering, and Technology, 2(1), 52–59.
Mardikaningsih, R., Halizah, S. N., Nuraini, R., & Darmawan, D. (2022). The Role of Ethical Leadership in Shaping a Positive and Sustainable Organizational Culture. International Journal of Service Science, Management, Engineering, and Technology, 2(2), 48–55.
Mardikaningsih, R., Hariani, M., Darmawan, D., Halizah, S. N., & Nuraini, R. (2024). The Impact of Digital Monitoring on Employee Work Autonomy and Professional Responsibility. International Journal of Service Science, Management, Engineering, and Technology, 5(3), 60–67. Retrieved from https://ejournalisse.com/index.php/isse/article/view/231
Marvindo, A., & Isnaini, M. (2024). Structural Resistance – Competence in Social Element on Digitalisation Process of Historical Archiving. Jurnal Studi Komunikasi, 8(2), 417–429.
Miles, M. B., & Huberman, A. M. (1994). Qualitative Data Analysis: An Expanded Sourcebook (2nd ed.). SAGE Publications, Thousand Oaks.
Molino, M., Cortese, C. G., & Ghislieri, C. (2021). Technology Acceptance and Leadership 4.0: A Quali-Quantitative Study. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 18(20), 1-18.
Murugesan, S. (2008). Harnessing Green IT: Principles and Practices. IT Professional, 10(1), 24-33.
Ojo, A. O., Raman, M., & Vijayakumar, R. (2020). Modeling the Determinants of Employee Belief and Attitude for the Adoption of Green IT. In Eurasian Business Perspectives: Proceedings of the 23rd Eurasia Business and Economics Society Conference, Cham: Springer International Publishing, 173–182.
Polites, G. L., & Karahanna, E. (2012). Shackled to the Status Quo: The Inhibiting Effects of Incumbent System Habit, Switching Costs, and Inertia on New System Acceptance. MIS Quarterly, 36(1), 21-44.
Putra, A. R., Arifin, S., & Darmawan , D. (2024). Gamification-Based Learning that Preserves Cooperation and Empathy Among Employees. International Journal of Service Science, Management, Engineering, and Technology, 5(1), 43–50. Retrieved from https://ejournalisse.com/index.php/isse/article/view/229
Sadiku, M. N., Adebo, P. O., & Musa, S. M. (2018). Green it: A Primer. International Journal of Advanced Research in Computer Science and Software Engineering, 8(10), 4-6.
Sadiq, A. (2025). Navigating Challenges: Addressing Resistance and Barriers. In Book from Intent to Impact, Publisher: Emerald Publishing Limited, 115–134.
Sakubu, D., Barasa, S. W., & Wabwoba, F. (2025). Enhancing ICT Personnel Competencies for Green Computing Adoption in Burundian Universities. The International Journal of Science & Technoledge, 13(4), 1-4.
Saunders, M., Lewis, P., & Thornhill, A. (2009). Research Methods for Business Students (5th ed.). Pearson Education, Harlow.
Sethumadhavan, R., Sajimon, P. P., Selvakumar, P., Kadu, S. G., Chandel, P. S., & Gupta, S. (2025). Environmental Sustainability and Employee Participation. Advances in Logistics, Operations, and Management Science Book Series, 275–298.
Sharma, R., & Grover, M. (2024). A Holistic Approach to IT Sustainability: Benefits and Implications of the Sustainable IT Framework. In 2024 International Conference on Cybernation and Computation (CYBERCOM), IEEE, 512–515.
Watson, R. T., Boudreau, M. C., Chen, A., & Huber, M. (2008). Green IS: Building Sustainable Business Practices. Information Systems, 17, 1-17.
Yin, R. K. (2009). Case Study Research: Design and Methods (4th ed.). SAGE Publications, Thousand Oaks.
Yustan, R., Maghfiroh, I. S. E., Aknuranda, I., & Yustan, R. (2025). Exploration of Barriers and Strategies for Implementing Green Information System at the Directorate of Information Technology, Universitas Brawijaya. Jurnal Sistem Informasi, 21(2), 13–22.

