Maturity Models and Sustainable Indicators-A New Relationship

This study aims to investigate the relationship between maturity models adopted by information technology companies and the sustainability indicators that are currently considered decision-making factors for investors and customers. The research is based on previous studies, Control Objectives for Information and Related Technology (COBIT), and Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) standards, and indicators of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) defined in 2015 by the United Nations. As a result of the intersection between the GRI and SDG indicators with COBIT requirements, a set of 50 indicators covering four dimensions of sustainability was identified. In the environmental dimension, 11 indicators were identified, in the economic dimension six indicators, in social dimension 14 indicators, and, at last, in the governance dimension, there were 19 convergent indicators between COBIT and GRI. This set of 50 proposed indicators was validated by analyzing the content of the sustainability reports available on the websites of information technology companies, making it possible to relate the sustainable practices and strategies adopted by such companies with the indicators suggested in this study. Furthermore, we identified that the SDGs are incorporated into the strategic objectives of seven of the nine companies analyzed.

Automated summary

This study investigates the relationship between maturity models in information technology companies and sustainability indicators, linking them to decision-making factors for investors and customers. By analyzing COBIT, GRI, and SDG indicators, a set of 50 sustainability indicators covering four dimensions was proposed and validated through analyzing sustainability reports of IT companies. It was found that some IT companies have incorporated SDGs into their strategic objectives.