A framework for corporate digital responsibility: Conceptualization and operationalization

The rapid advancement of digital technologies, data-driven systems, and algorithmic decision-making has expanded the boundaries of corporate responsibility by introducing new risks, uncertainties, and expectations that challenge traditional frameworks of corporate (social) responsibility. In response, Corporate Digital Responsibility (CDR) has emerged as a concept that addresses an organization's responsibilities in the digital sphere, encompassing its impacts on individuals, society, and the environment. A comprehensive understanding and operationalized framework of CDR are needed to assess and enhance digital responsibility practices. This thesis seeks to address this gap by developing a structured and actionable framework for CDR that supports ethical and responsible digital governance. The purpose of this thesis is to provide a comprehensive operationalized framework that enables organizations to conduct corporate digital governance for ethical and responsible behavior towards all stakeholders. The study adopts an exploratory, two-phased design: conceptualization and operationalization. In the first phase, the scope of CDR was defined through a systematic literature review (SLR) and expert opinion. The resulting framework consists of six core components and eighteen dimensions: (1) Sustainable Digital Ecosystem; Responsible Innovation, Adequate Digital Infrastructure, Digital Sustainability, and Digital Well-Being, (2) Digital Trustworthiness; Digital Transparency, Accountability, and Corporate Governance, (3) Digital Equity and Fairness; Digital Accessibility, Digital Inclusion and Diversity, and Dispute Resolution and Redress, (4) Digital Empowerment; Digital Education and Literacy, Digital Awareness, and Digital Maturity, (5) Data Ethics and Human Rights; Data Ownership, Digital Privacy, Digital Security, and Autonomy, and (6) Artificial Intelligence (AI) Ethics; Ethical AI/Algorithms. In the second phase, potential indicators were derived from an extensive source review and refined through a three-step selection process. This resulted in 352 indicators aligned with the conceptual framework. In the fourth step, a Real-Time Delphi study was conducted with industry experts, and indicators were evaluated based on their priority and traceability. A total of 292 indicators reached expert consensus and were classified into three priority levels (high[est], medium, low) using the Weighted Sum Model (WSM). This structured indicator set enables organizations to monitor, assess, and enhance their digital responsibility performance. The research findings underscore the necessity of a structured, multi-dimensional approach to CDR, aligned with stakeholder expectations. This thesis provides a comprehensive and operationalized framework to both scholars and practitioners necessary for ethical, inclusive, secure, sustainable, and socially responsible digital practices. The proposed framework offers a strategic tool for embedding responsible digital conduct into corporate governance structures. This study extends the academic discourse on CDR and guides organizations in aligning their digital activities with ethical standards and principles of responsible governance.