The challenge of integrating information and communications technology infrastructure to achieve sustainable organisational change

This study explores the role of Information and Communications Technology (ICT) infrastructure in facilitating the sustainability of organisational change. The focus of this study centres particularly on ICT that facilitates knowledge transfer, and the effectiveness of the organisational change process and outcomes. Research examining ICT and organisational change prevalently addresses these two research fields as independent subject areas. Limited research exists on ICT and organisational change as interrelated factors. Studies concerning organisational change generally view ICT as an aspect of organisational change amongst other influential factors, rather than a driver. This study identifies that sustainable organisational change necessitates considering ICT as a facilitator of organisational change. The findings of this study propose that in a technologically advanced era where organisations have increasingly turned to technology for competitive advantage, ICT enables organisations to enhance business sustainability through more robust intra and inter-organisational knowledge transfer, and streamline critical business processes for enhanced operational effectiveness. ICT improves adaptability and receptivity towards change, and as a result leads to enhanced business sustainability. Correspondingly, the role of HR departments is critical in endowing employees with the latest knowledge to embrace the latest technology with confidence, in order to maintain or enhance effectiveness at the individual and organisational level. The findings complement the literature in validating a reciprocal link between ICT and organisational change, and support a wide consensus amongst management researchers that ICT has a positive flow on effect on organisational performance, through its ability to influence business practices. The study proposes that ICT and organisational change are major interrelated discipline areas. The Sustainable Technology and Change Linkage (STCL) Model developed in this study provides a managerial framework that potentially assists organisations in effectively utilising organisational resources, particularly organisations that are extensively ICT oriented, and similar to the organisation studied. This model also has the potential to enhance the compatibility of new technology with the existing culture of organisations, and achieve sustainability of technology and organisational change.