Greening the Workplace: Examining the Relationship Between Green Talent Management and Pro-Environmental Behaviors in Chinese Public Sectors

Abstract

In pursuing sustainable development within the public sector, cultivating pro-environmental behaviors (PEBs) among employees becomes paramount. While existing literature underscores the positive impact of PEBs on organizational innovation and performance, the mechanisms through which public sector organizations can effectively mobilize such behaviors remain inadequately examined. Drawing on the conservation of resources theory, this study addresses the gap in the literature by examining the association between talent management strategies and PEBs, particularly emphasizing the emerging concept of green talent management. Based on survey data collected from 346 employees working in Chinese public sectors, there is a positive relationship between green soft talent management and employees’ PEBs, and green psychological capital is a crucial mediator. Furthermore, this study unveils the constructive moderating role of green transformational leadership in the association between green soft talent management and PEBs. The findings carry valuable theoretical and practical implications for implementing green talent management strategies.