Corporate and Social Responsibility (CSR) as a driver for the adoption of cloud computing

This research paper explores the current and future role of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) as a critical factor in the decision-making process for adopting cloud computing. Initially highlighting the issue of and abatement policies relating to global warming and specifically the damage caused by greenhouse gas emissions (GHG) created by human activity, such as electricity generation, the paper identifies the Information and communications (ICT) technology sector as both a major contributor to CO2 emissions as well as a considerable enabler to future abatement. The popularisation of cloud computing as a model for ICT consumption is discussed and the paper examines, challenges and hones cloud computing’s ability to reduce GHG emissions by comparing energy efficiency, infrastructure utilisation and ‘clean’ energy consumption between on premise and cloud data centres. Current cloud computing adoption drivers are researched and discussed to identify if CSR is prevalent. Using data drawn from ten credible secondary data surveys including the views of 5,888 ICT executives it is concluded that CSR is not yet a key driver despite cloud computing’s substantiated ability to reduce emissions over on premise computing. This negative outcome is challenged via a series of primary data convenience interviews and survey conducted with 71 ICT executives to examine if CSR drivers are being masked behind the current predominant key driver of cost reduction. The idea is proven unfounded with CSR ranking as the least important driver despite the salient points of global warming, cloud computing’s green credentials and specific related government policies being discussed during the sampling process. As such the research concludes that as the time between now and the identified ecological tipping point of 2050 shortens, CSR is well positioned to emerge as a key driver but only if the link between cloud computing’s ability to reduce emissions and global warming / the tightening of government emission policy is made at both the individual and company level