Investigating the organizational factors influencing information security management in the context of smart city organizations

Abstract

Smart city (SC) research has undergone remarkable advances in recent years. Smart cities have been touted as the next phase of urbanization, whereby cities efficiently deploy resources, rely on a high quality Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) infrastructure, develop human capital, and improve the quality of life of its citizens. However, the adoption of digital technologies poses challenges. Research confirms the criticality of the information security issues in smart cities where digital services are key for modern businesses. As such, organizations need to effectively manage their information security to meet the necessities of online services, to protect data, and to limit and control any possible damage if vulnerabilities are exposed. There are different organizational factors that influence Information Security Management inside organizations, including project size, management and leadership behaviour, business type and model, awareness, financial resources, and human capital. However, it can be inferred from the literature that little research has been conducted on smart city management issues. Therefore, to best meet the smart city performance goals, there is a need to investigate the organizational factors that influence Information Security Management in the smart city organization. The aim of this paper is to identify and examine the organizational factors that are expected to influence Information Security Management of smart city organizations. First, the literature is explored to cultivate a better understanding of the literature; Information Security Management is highlighted as an important subject in smart cities. The research then consolidated the organizational factors that are expected to be most influential on organizations’ Information Security Management (ISM) (Adaptation to rapid technology development (ARTD), Bureaucratic standing (BC), employees’ compliance (EC), best utilization of the information and communication technologies infrastructure (ICT), inter-organizational collaboration (Inter), intraorganizational collaboration (Intra), leadership attitude (LA), legislative influence (LI), skilful workforce (SW), type of organization (TO), vendor selection (VS)). The research then proceeds to test the identified factors in the context of smart and nonsmart cities. A questionnaire was developed, and 308 valid participations were documented. Data were then analysed and have shown indicators that the current smart cities around the world do seem distant from becoming smart as defined in the common literature. Significant evidence was found to validate the positive influence of LI on ISM, and ISM on OP in smart and non-smart cities. Significant evidence was found to validate the positive influence of SW on smart cities only. Significant evidence was found to validate the positive influence of VS on ISM in non-smart cities only. The research then discusses research results and limitations to conclude on findings and future research choices.