Published papers

Technologies of self-sovereign identity (SSI) and Web3 tools that strongly protect individual autonomy, combined with the ethics of Asian altruism, can effectively guide the governance of the emerging cyber civilization. In contrast, governance in Western industrial civilization stresses the pursuit of individual self-interest and struggles to balance the benefits of big tech with the protection of individual dignity and the preservation of the common good. We demonstrate, with reference to a local community in Japan, that SSI is successful in encouraging communal collaboration and well-being while providing individuals with greater control over their personal data. We also show that Web3 tools provide incentives for altruistic behaviors while safeguarding SSI. Integration of SSI and social protection demonstrates the potential for building an information society grounded in altruistic values, honoring individual dignity, and recognizing the government’s role in protecting social welfare. Ultimately, this research unveils how altruistic values can be fostered through SSI and Web3.

The adoption of environmental, social, and governance (ESG) principles has pressured firms to change their internal operations, creating conflicts regarding meeting sustainability standards. This study uses paradox theory lens to examine conflicts in ESG integration in a business model and explore resolution strategies. We used the case study of a top ESG leader in the information and technology sector—the Ricoh Group. We identified conflicts for environmental, social, and governance factors and found they adopted a synthesis strategy for conflict resolution for all ESG issues. ESG conflicts were resolved by emphasizing that ESG practices are a global requirement with ESG department support and management power. Environmental conflicts were resolved through shifting from cost-of-capital-centric to market-competitiveness-centric. Additionally, social conflicts were resolved through feedback on market needs. We state that using the ESG framework as a promise for future finance, where its adoption of ESG practices may positively impact future financial performance and might support the integration process. We stress the importance of constant feedback with all divisions about ESG regulations and their status and progress toward achieving ESG goals. We further highlight conflict-resolution strategies adopted to support the integration of the ESG framework into the business model.

This paper proposes potential benefits of adopting Asian philosophies in considering the design of “cyber civilization” governance. The West is currently struggling to balance the use of data for commercial purposes with the social good stemming from the protection of personal privacy and dignity. It is also grappling with the idea of machines having autonomous capabilities that human minds alone were supposed to monopolize. East Asia, with its tradition of Confucianism, Buddhism, and animism, has long emphasized the virtue of mutual benevolence as well as conviviality with nature, both of which may be contrasted with the Western emphasis on the autonomy of individuals and the supremacy of humans over nature. We need to revisit such foundational schools of thought in view of such factors as network externalities of data, extremely low marginal cost of digital services, and high level of traceability, all of which are altering the historical prerequisites of the modern market economy. In the face of the emergence of a new civilization, we need to find a guiding philosophy which allows us to develop policies that adequately benefit all people. There are notions such as integrity (fiduciary responsibility) that East and West share and that may be adopted to build broadly acceptable governance principles.

Environmental, social, and governance (ESG) integration as a socially responsible investment (SRI) from a financial perspective has been discussed extensively. However, few studies discuss its impact on firms’ internal operations from the perspective of sustainable development (SD). This study aims to examine the integration of ESG into the currently prevailing business model. Twenty-nine studies were systematically reviewed. Our analysis used an input–process–output model to identify the integration process and the outcomes. The findings show that only two papers explain the implementation steps or transition process of ESG integration, while 27 papers discuss ESG integration as an outcome, including integration behaviors, advantages, practices, and critical views. Our research aims to highlight that firms adopt ESG as a response to pressure from financial markets rather than as a serious effort to integrate sustainability into their core operations. We state the need for more research into the integration process to motivate firms to reform their business models, foster sustainability, and enhance financial performance.

2020 has been a year of unprecedented disruption for the IS community. College campuses have been closed, instruction moved to online, and conferences are virtual. Early indications suggest significant disruption of budgetary and operating norms. At the same time, we are witnessing the miracle of digital technologies that allow us to satisfy our professional obligations and personal needs. Most businesses have figured out ways to continue to operate. Collectively these point to the possibility of significant challenges and opportunities for the IS community. Leveraging content from an AIS online forum, this panel is the first of a three-panel series at ICIS 2020 that is focused on the impacts and implications of the COVID-19 pandemic for the IS discipline and academic community. This panel will explore the issues from the perspectives of IS faculty, focusing primarily on their views about the likely consequences for IS teaching and research.