Mediating role of environmental participation on the relationship between green human resource management practices and employee green behavior

Abstract

Green Human Resource Management (GHRM) practices are recognized for their pivotal role in promoting sustainability by fostering environmentally responsible behaviors. This study examined the mediating effect of environmental participation (EP) on the relationship between GHRM practices and employee green behavior (EGB) among higher education institutions in Digos City, Philippines. A non-experimental quantitative approach was employed, using structured questionnaires to collect data from 300 employees of different HEIs. The analysis revealed high levels of GHRM practices, EGB, and EP. The results indicated a significant positive relationship between GHRM practices and EGB, demonstrating that robust GHRM practices within organizations positively influence employees' environmentally responsible behaviors. Additionally, environmental participation was found to partially mediate the relationship of the two variables. These findings validated the Social Exchange Theory which posits that employees are more likely to engage in pro-environmental behaviors when they perceive that the organization is investing in environmentally friendly HR practices. The high levels of EGB observed in this study indicated that employees reciprocate the organization’s commitment to sustainability by adopting green behaviors, validating the reciprocal nature of the relationship between employees and the organization. The study recommended that HEIs develop comprehensive GHRM strategies to increase employee environmental participation, which can serve as global models for enhancing sustainability and fostering an environmentally conscious culture.