Consciousness as a Mediator Between Green HRM Practices and Pro-Environmental Behaviors

Abstract

The research seeks to consider the impact green HRM activities on the pro-environmental behavior of employees. The research examines the mediating role of environmental consciousness and moderating effect of employees’ age and experience on green HRM practices and environmental consciousness. Data was obtained from employees of manufacturing industry; textile, oil and gas, automobile and automotive, foundry, and heavy mineral mining. Data was obtained in two-time lags with the gap of 6 months. In phase 1 (T1) the questionnaire was filled by white-collar employees about green HRM practices and their environmental consciousness. In phase 2 (T2) the questionnaires were filled by the relevant managers about their employees’ pro-environmental behavior. A total of 202 useable questionnaires were obtained for the final data analysis. Partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) was performed to test the hypothesized relationships. The findings indicate that not all green HRM practices have a positive impact on the pro-environmental behavior of employees. These are important findings for the advancement of literature on Green HRM. It is also mediated by environmental consciousness. While the organizational experience and age of employees moderates the relationship between green HRM practices and environmental consciousness. Practical implications – Research proves that not all Green HRM practices create environmental consciousness among employees, therefore, companies should focus on the identified Green HRM practices that have more impact on raising environmental consciousness, thus enhancing their morale and desire to do work that ultimately increases their productivity. Organizations can use the factor of age and organizational experience to their advantage while implementing Green policies within their organization, thus changing their behavior and level of acceptance towards changes in organizational policies and practices. Green HRM has received rather limited attention regarding the role of environmental consciousness and its transformation into pro-environmental behavior. The nature of the relationship between GHRM and environmental consciousness is affected by organizational experience and age of employees. The research elaborates the impact of different green HRM practices and their contribution and importance in promoting pro-environmental behavior among employees. This research gives theorists and practitioners a better understanding about Green HRM practices that articulate their pro-environmental behaviors.