E-Thesis 42 views
Corporate Digital Responsibility: Exploring the Changing Responsibilities of Organisations in Saudi Arabia / AHMED ALKREDES
Swansea University Author: AHMED ALKREDES
DOI (Published version): 10.23889/SUThesis.71645
Abstract
The emergence of corporate digital responsibility (CDR) has become increasingly significant as organisations harness enabling technologies for the benefit of society, moving beyond simple technological progress. However, both academic literature and practical application reveal a notable gap: there...
| Published: |
Swansea
2026
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| Institution: | Swansea University |
| Degree level: | Doctoral |
| Degree name: | Ph.D |
| Supervisor: | Dennehy, D., Dwivedi, Y. K., and Roderick, S. |
| URI: | https://cronfa.swan.ac.uk/Record/cronfa71645 |
| Abstract: |
The emergence of corporate digital responsibility (CDR) has become increasingly significant as organisations harness enabling technologies for the benefit of society, moving beyond simple technological progress. However, both academic literature and practical application reveal a notable gap: there remains a lack of comprehensive and systematic understanding regarding the full scope of CDR, as well as its translation into tangible actions. Against this background, this doctoral study explores the emerging practice of CDR within Saudi organisations during a period of rapid national digital transformation shaped by Vision 2030.The study aims to understand how organisations interpret and enact responsible digital practices, what challenges influence implementation, and what conditions enable these practices to become embedded in organisational life. An interpretivist, inductive and qualitative design was adopted, using a multiple case study strategy to examine CDR across public, private and semi government sectors. Data were collected from thirty-six professionals working in roles related to digital governance, cybersecurity, data protection, strategy and organisational transformation. Semi structured interviews, observations and documentary analysis were used to generate rich and triangulated empirical evidence. Thematic analysis and the Gioia methodology were applied to develop a structured interpretation of organisational experiences.The findings reveal five domains of challenge that restrict the adoption of responsible digital practices, including regulatory complexity, pressures related to cybersecurity and privacy, leadership and capability gaps, technological constraints and cultural influences on organisational behaviour. Alongside these constraints, seven enabling dimensions were identified, including ethical oversight of data practices, the development of trust and reputation, ecosystem responsibility, regulatory and legal alignment, investment in research and development, innovation and competitive advantage. Together, these findings show that CDR is shaped by the interaction of organisational values, national digital strategies, regulatory structures and practitioner agency. The study contributes a contextually grounded framework that explains how CDR operates within the institutional and cultural environment of Saudi Arabia and offers practical recommendations for leaders, regulators and policy makers seeking to strengthen responsible digital governance. It also provides a foundation for future research on responsible technology use in rapidly transforming digital economies. |
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| Keywords: |
Corporate Digital Responsibility, Digital Governance, Digital Transformation, Corporate Social Responsibility, Saudi Vision 2030 |
| College: |
Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences |
| Funders: |
University of Tabuk, Saudi Arabia |