The Impact of Green Human Resource Management Practices On Employees, Clients, and Organizational Performance (2024)
The Impact of Green Human Resource Management Practices On Employees, Clients, and Organizational Performance (2024)
The Impact of Green Human Resource Management Practices On Employees, Clients, and Organizational Performance (2024)
sciences
Review
The Impact of Green Human Resource Management Practices
on Employees, Clients, and Organizational Performance:
A Literature Review
Aisha AlKetbi and John Rice *
College of Business Administration, University of Sharjah, Sharjah 500001, United Arab Emirates;
u20102562@sharjah.ac.ae
* Correspondence: jrice@sharjah.ac.ae
Abstract: This literature review aims to examine the relationship between Green Human Resource
Management (G-HRM) practices and various outcomes, including employee green attitudes, em-
ployee green satisfaction, client green satisfaction, employee green behavior, and organizational green
performance. We reviewed existing literature on G-HRM practices and their impact on the selected
outcomes. The review process involved the identification of articles through a systematic search in
Scopus and Web of Science databases from January 2013 to December 2023. The search retrieved
2142 citations; of them, a total of 17 articles were deemed eligible for this review. The reviewed litera-
ture provides good evidence supporting a positive predictive relationship between G-HRM practices
and employee green attitudes, employee green satisfaction, client green satisfaction, employee green
behavior, and organizational green performance. However, there is a notable gap in studies exploring
the influence of G-HRM practices on employee and client satisfaction. Overall, G-HRM practices
emerge as a crucial tool for fostering environmentally conscious attitudes and behaviors among
employees, ultimately contributing to enhanced employee satisfaction and improved organizational
ecological performance. Future research should pay attention to the mechanisms underlying these
relationships and explore potential moderating factors to enrich our understanding of the interrelated
dynamics between G-HRM practices and sustainable outcomes.
sustainability goals. Specifically, this literature review aims to address the following
research question:
Do G-HRM policies positively predict:
(1) Employee green attitudes and perceptions.
(2) Employee green satisfaction.
(3) Employee green behavior.
(4) Client green satisfaction.
(5) Organizational green performance.
2. Methods
2.1. Search Strategy
A comprehensive literature search was conducted across two main academic databases,
namely Scopus and Web of Science. These databases were selected based on the recom-
mendations in previous literature reviews (Faisal 2023). The Scopus and Web of Science
databases have comprehensive coverage compared to other databases, and thus, the pos-
sibility of missing relevant articles is low (Norris and Oppenheim 2007). Therefore, only
articles indexed in Scopus and Web of Science were considered in this review to ensure the
quality of the findings. Furthermore, the reference lists of all the included articles were
checked for possible relevant citations.
The search strategy employed a combination of keywords, Boolean operators, and
subject headings related to “Green Human Resource Management”, “sustainable human
resource management”, “organizational performance”, “employee green behavior”, “client
satisfaction”, and “environmental performance”. By considering these concepts in our
search strategy, we echo the recommendations of relevant literature, such as Tranfield et al.
(2003), to underscore the importance of a systematic approach in conducting the literature
review (Tranfield et al. 2003). The search was limited to articles published between January
2013 and December 2023 in English. The search strategy was designed to capture studies
that directly addressed the relationship between G-HRM practices and employees, clients,
or organizational behaviors.
Figure
Figure 1.
1. The
The screening
screening framework.
framework.
Inclusion Criteria
2.3. Inclusion
This review considered studies that reported empirical findings on G-HRM practices
theoretical frameworks. To
and were conceptually based on valid theoretical To be included, articles had
to have been published in English in peer-reviewed journals that directly investigated the
relationship between
between G-HRM
G-HRMpractices
practicesand
andemployees,
employees, clients, or or
clients, organizational
organizationalbehaviors.
behav-
To optimize the scope of this review, all study designs reporting primary empirical
iors. To optimize the scope of this review, all study designs reporting primary empirical research,
includingincluding
research, quantitative or mixed-methods
quantitative studies, were
or mixed-methods included.
studies, wereSimilar literature
included. Similarreviews,
litera-
including
ture systematic
reviews, reviews
including and data
systematic synthesis,
reviews and datawere reviewed
synthesis, to provide
were reviewedbackground
to provide
and context for
background andthe current
context forstudy, but these
the current articles
study, were not
but these included
articles were in
notthe final analysis.
included in the
final analysis.
Adm. Sci. 2024, 14, 78 5 of 19
2.7. Definitions
In the context of this research, G-HRM practices refer to a set of environmentally
conscious strategies that organizations adopt to align human resource functions with sus-
tainability goals (Zaid et al. 2018). Specifically, G-HRM practice refers to the collection of
regulations and policies that govern all green activities within institutional frameworks
(Saeed et al. 2019). The employee life cycle within G-HRM is an organizational approach
to visualize the degree of employee engagement within a given institution (Khan et al.
2022). This engagement includes integrating eco-friendly principles from recruitment to
retirement, emphasizing the importance of environmental responsibility at every stage
(Zhang et al. 2019). Rewards systems are designed to recognize and incentivize green
behaviors, promoting a culture of sustainability within the workforce (Ahmad 2015). Edu-
cation and training programs focus on enhancing employees’ environmental awareness and
skills, enabling them to contribute to the organization’s sustainability objectives. Employee
empowerment in G-HRM involves fostering a sense of responsibility and involvement in
sustainable initiatives, encouraging employees to participate in green practices actively
ment in sustainable initiatives, encouraging employees to participate in green practices
actively (Tirno et al. 2023). Manager involvement is crucial in leading and supporting
green HR practices, ensuring sustainability is integrated into organizational strategies and
decision-making processes (Tuan 2022). Overall, G-HRM practices aim to create a holistic
Adm. Sci. 2024, 14, 78
and environmentally responsible workplace by addressing various aspects of6 ofthe 19
em-
ployee experience.
In the realm of G-HRM, employee attitudes and perceptions refer to individuals’ be-
(Tirno et al. 2023). Manager involvement is crucial in leading and supporting green HR
liefs and views
practices, regarding
ensuring environmental
sustainability sustainability
is integrated within the
into organizational workplace
strategies (Garavan et
and decision-
al. making
2023). Itprocesses
involves (Tuan
cultivating
2022). Overall, G-HRM practices aim to create a holistic and em-
a positive environmental mindset among employees,
phasizing the importance
environmentally of eco-conscious
responsible behavior (Chen
workplace by addressing variousetaspects
al. 2021). In employee
of the the context of
experience.
G-HRM, employee satisfaction is the extent to which employees are content with the or-
In the commitment
ganization’s realm of G-HRM, to employee attitudes
sustainability and perceptions
practices (Shafaeirefer
et al.to2020).
individuals’ beliefs
This satisfaction
and views
is closely regarding
linked environmental
to employee sustainability
behavior, as G-HRM within the workplace
encourages (Garavan et al. 2023).
environmentally responsi-
It involves cultivating a positive environmental mindset among employees, emphasizing
ble actions and habits among staff, fostering a collective commitment to ecological stew-
the importance of eco-conscious behavior (Chen et al. 2021). In the context of G-HRM,
ardship (Abdelhamied et al. 2023). On the other hand, client satisfaction in G-HRM is the
employee satisfaction is the extent to which employees are content with the organization’s
degree to
commitmentwhichto customers
sustainabilityorpractices
clients (Shafaei
perceiveetand appreciate
al. 2020). an organization’s
This satisfaction sustaina-
is closely linked
bletoinitiatives, indicating
employee behavior, a growing
as G-HRM awareness
encourages and demand
environmentally for environmentally
responsible friendly
actions and habits
products and fostering
among staff, servicesa(Wikhamn 2019). Lastly,
collective commitment withinstewardship
to ecological the scope (Abdelhamied
of G-HRM, organiza-
et al.
tional performance
2023). On the otherishand,
measured by the successful
client satisfaction in G-HRM integration andto
is the degree implementation
which customersoforgreen
clients perceive
practices and appreciate
throughout an organization’s
the business, demonstratingsustainable initiatives, indicating
a commitment a growing re-
to environmental
awareness and demand for environmentally friendly products and services
sponsibility that positively influences employee attitudes, client satisfaction, and (Wikhamn 2019).
overall
Lastly, within the scope of G-HRM, organizational performance is measured by the successful
success (Merlin and Chen 2022).
integration and implementation of green practices throughout the business, demonstrating a
commitment to environmental responsibility that positively influences employee attitudes,
3. Results
client satisfaction, and overall success (Merlin and Chen 2022).
A total of 17 studies were systematically reviewed to investigate the various dimen-
3. Results
sions of G-HRM practices. The selected studies encompassed diverse research designs,
includingA total of 17methods
mixed studies were
and systematically
cross-sectional reviewed to investigate
analyses. Out of thethe 17various dimen-
reviewed studies,
sions of G-HRM practices. The selected studies encompassed diverse
two were mixed methods research (Masri and Jaaron 2017; Mousa and Othman 2020), research designs,
including mixed methods and cross-sectional analyses. Out of the 17 reviewed studies, two
while 15 used cross-sectional methods (Albloush et al. 2022; Ali and Hassan 2023; Al-
were mixed methods research (Masri and Jaaron 2017; Mousa and Othman 2020), while
Swidi et al. 2021; Arshad et al. 2022; Cahyadi et al. 2023; El Baroudi et al. 2023; Elshaer et
15 used cross-sectional methods (Albloush et al. 2022; Ali and Hassan 2023; Al-Swidi et al.
al. 2021;
2023;Arshad
Freire et
andal. Pieta 2022; Hameed
2022; Cahyadi et al.
et al. 2023; 2019; Lietetal.al.2023;
El Baroudi 2023; Mensah
Elshaer et al.et2023;
al. 2023;
Rawashdeh 2018; Ren and Hussain 2022; Xiao et al. 2022; Zhang et al. 2019).
Freire and Pieta 2022; Hameed et al. 2019; Li et al. 2023; Mensah et al. 2023; Rawashdeh The publica-
tion2018;
years
Ren ofand
the Hussain
included2022;
studies
Xiaoranged from
et al. 2022; 2017 et
Zhang toal.
2023, highlighting
2019). a recent
The publication yearsexplo-
of the
ration of included studies ranged
both contemporary andfrom 2017 to
practical 2023, highlighting
perspectives on G-HRM a recent exploration
practices (See ofFigure
2). both
The contemporary
geographical and practical of
distribution perspectives
the studies onwas
G-HRM practices
broad, (See Figure 2). from
with contributions The Eu-
geographical distribution of the studies was broad, with contributions from
rope, Asia, and the Middle East, providing a global perspective on the subject matter (See Europe, Asia,
and the Middle East, providing a global perspective on the subject matter (See Figure 3).
Figure 3).
Geographic location
4
0
Palestine India Egypt China Saudi Pakistan Qatar Portugal Jordan Hungary
Arabia
Years of publication
7
6
5
4
3
2
1
0
2023 2022 2021 2020 2019 2018 2017
The
Thesample
samplesizessizes across the studies
across the studiesvaried,
varied,with
withsomesomeinvolving
involving large-scale
large-scale cohorts
cohorts
exceeding
exceeding500 500participants
participants (Al-Swidi
(Al-Swidi et etal.
al.2021;
2021;Arshad
Arshadetetal.al.2022),
2022), while
while others
others adopted
adopted
a amore
morefocused
focusedapproach
approach with smaller,
smaller,targeted
targetedpopulations
populationsofof less
less than
than 100100 participants
participants
(Ali
(Aliand
andHassan
Hassan2023;
2023; Mousa and Othman
Mousa and Othman2020; 2020;Rawashdeh
Rawashdeh2018). 2018).Methodologically,
Methodologically, thethe
studiesemployed
studies employed aa variety
variety of tools
tools to to assess
assessvariables
variablesofofinterest,
interest, with
withonline surveys
online surveys
(Albloushetetal.
(Albloush al.2022;
2022;Cahyadi
Cahyadietetal.al.2023;
2023;Freire
Freireand
andPieta
Pieta2022;
2022;Rawashdeh
Rawashdeh2018; 2018;Ren
Renand
and Hussain 2022), face-to-face interviews (Masri and Jaaron 2017;
Hussain 2022), face-to-face interviews (Masri and Jaaron 2017; Mousa and Othman 2020), Mousa and Othman
2020),
and and standardized
standardized paper-based
paper-based questionnaires
questionnaires beingbeing prevalent
prevalent (Ali(Ali
andand Hassan2023;
Hassan 2023;Al-
Al-Swidi et al. 2021; Arshad et al. 2022; El Baroudi et al. 2023; Elshaer et
Swidi et al. 2021; Arshad et al. 2022; El Baroudi et al. 2023; Elshaer et al. 2023; Hameed etal. 2023; Hameed
et al. 2019; Li et al. 2023; Mensah et al. 2023; Xiao et al. 2022; Zhang et al. 2019). The diverse
al. 2019; Li et al. 2023; Mensah et al. 2023; Xiao et al. 2022; Zhang et al. 2019). The diverse
characteristics of the included studies, as presented in Table 1, contribute to the richness
characteristics of the included studies, as presented in Table 1, contribute to the richness
and depth of the synthesized findings presented in this literature review.
and depth of the synthesized findings presented in this literature review.
Table 1. Study characteristics.
Table 1. Study characteristics.
Authors Population Data Collection Number of
(Year)
Country Aim of Study Study Design
Description Method
Number
Data Participants
Authors Population of
Country Aim of StudyTo assess nurse
Ali and
Study Design
Nurse Collection
(Year) managers’ perception managers inDescription
Paper-basedMethod Participa
Hassan Egypt Cross-sectional 95
about G-HRM five University questionnaire nts
(2023)
practices. Hospitals Paper-
Ali and Nurse managers
To examine
To assess nurse managers’ perception about based
Hassan Egypt Prospective
Cross-sectional in five University 95
Cahyadi relationship between
G-HRM practices.
Hungary Cross-sectional employees in E-Survey questionna
252
(2023)
et al. (2023) G-HRM policies and Hospitals
business sector
employees’ behavior ire
Cahyadi To examine the role of G-HRM Prospective
To examine relationship between Team members
et al. Hungary G-HRM on employee Cross-sectional employees in E-Survey 252
El Baroudi policies and employees’
China green behavior
behavior and Cross-sectional
working in 4 Paper-based
277
(2023)
et al. (2023) hospitalitybusiness
and sector
questionnaire
overall organizational
El performance
Team members Paper-
tourism settings
To examine the role of G-HRM on employee
Baroudi working in 4 based
China green behavior To and overall
examine the organizational Cross-sectional 277
et al. hospitality and questionna
performance relationship between Employees at
(2023) G-HRM and tourism settings ire
managerial
organizational Employees at
level in small-
Elshaer et al. performance and how Paper-based
Saudi
To Arabia the relationship between
examine Cross-sectional
G- and managerial level Paper-304
(2023)
Elshaer employee questionnaire
medium-sized
Saudi HRM and organizational performance and
pro-environmental in small- and based
et al. behavior may
Cross-sectional
hotels and 304
Arabia how employee pro-environmental behavior medium-sized
travel agencies questionna
(2023) moderate this
may moderate this relationship.
relationship.
hotels and travel ire
agencies
Adm. Sci. 2024, 14, 78 8 of 19
Table 1. Cont.
Table 1. Cont.
The results of this literature review revealed a diverse range of study settings encom-
passed within the reviewed articles. The exploration of these scholarly works unveiled a
broad spectrum of organizational settings, with a notable emphasis on the industrial sector
(Freire and Pieta 2022; Hameed et al. 2019; Li et al. 2023; Masri and Jaaron 2017; Ren and
Hussain 2022), the hospitality and tourism sector (Arshad et al. 2022; El Baroudi et al. 2023;
Elshaer et al. 2023; Xiao et al. 2022), healthcare sector (Ali and Hassan 2023; Mensah et al.
2023; Mousa and Othman 2020; Rawashdeh 2018), enterprises (Cahyadi et al. 2023; Zhang
et al. 2019), and public services (Albloush et al. 2022; Al-Swidi et al. 2021) (See Figure 4).
The inclusion of such varied contexts not only underscores the multidimensionality of the
research landscape but also emphasizes the predominant nature of the phenomena under
investigation.
Baroudi et al. 2023; Elshaer et al. 2023; Xiao et al. 2022), healthcare sector (Ali and Hassan
2023; Mensah et al. 2023; Mousa and Othman 2020; Rawashdeh 2018), enterprises
(Cahyadi et al. 2023; Zhang et al. 2019), and public services (Albloush et al. 2022; Al-Swidi
et al. 2021) (See Figure 4). The inclusion of such varied contexts not only underscores the
Adm. Sci. 2024, 14, 78 10 of 19
multidimensionality of the research landscape but also emphasizes the predominant
nature of the phenomena under investigation.
Study settings
6
0
Industrial Hospitality Healthcare Enterprises Public Services
Figure 4. Distribution
Figure 4. Distributionofofstudies
studies by Setting.
by Setting.
Table
Table 2 2presents
presentsthethe findings concerningthe
findings concerning the study
study setting,
setting, relevant
relevant outcomes
outcomes and and
summarizes
summarizes themain
the mainresults
resultsof ofthe
the included
included studies.
studies. Overall,
Overall,thethemain
mainfindings
findings of of
thethe 17
17 reviewed articles suggest a positive significant correlation between
reviewed articles suggest a positive significant correlation between G-HRM practices and G-HRM practices
and employees, clients, or organizational performance. The following section presents
employees, clients, or organizational performance. The following section presents these
these findings in detail.
findings in detail.
As 2.shown
Table Presentsin Table
study 2, the
settings, comprehensive
outcomes studied, andreview
the mainof the literature revealed several
findings.
recurring themes and trends within the research on G-HRM practices. A predominant
finding across studies was StudytheOutcomes
consistent positive correlation between G-HRM practices
Authors Setting
(Year) Employee Employee Employee
and employee behavior, as evidenced Client
by Cahyadi et al. (2023), ElMain
Organizational Findings
Baroudi et al. (2023),
Attitude Satisfaction Behavior Satisfaction Performance
Elshaer et al. (2023), Li et al. (2023), Mensah et al. (2023), Arshad et al. (2022), Ren and
A statistically significant
Ali and Hussain
√ (2022), Xiao et al. (2022), Al-Swidi et al. (2021), Hameed et al.correlation
positive (2019), and
exists Zhang
Hassan
(2023)
Healthcare et al. (2019).- The above-mentioned
- -
studies -
examined various between
G-HRM G-HRM
practices such as
Practices and employees’
green training, green hiring, green compensation, and employee empowerment and
work values.
reported a significant positive correlation with employee greenG-HRM behavior. These findings
practices
positively
collectively suggest a significant predictive validity of G-HRM practices on employee influence
employees’ green
green behavior, indicating that organizations implementing G-HRM
behavior. G-HRM practices are
Cahyadi expected to achieve √
a higher level of -employee green practices mediate
behavior. This highlights the the value
Enterprises - - -
et al. (2023) relationship between
green transformational
leadership and
employees’ green
behavior.
Green employee
behaviors mediate the
Hospitality √ √ √ relationship between
El Baroudi - - employee attitudes and
et al. (2023) and
Tourism perceptions of G-HRM
and nongreen
performance.
G-HRM practices can
improve environmental,
economic, and social
performance, and these
Hospitality √ √ relationships can be
Elshaer - - -
et al. (2023) and strengthened through
Tourism
the moderating effects of
employees’
pro-environmental
behavior.
Adm. Sci. 2024, 14, 78 11 of 19
Table 2. Cont.
Study Outcomes
Authors Setting Main Findings
(Year) Employee Employee Employee Client Organizational
Attitude Satisfaction Behavior Satisfaction Performance
G-HRM practices have a
positive effect on
employees’ green
Li et al. √ behavior.
Industry - - - - Psychological green
(2023)
climate mediates the
relation between G-HRM
practices and employee
in-role green behavior.
Green training, green
hiring, and green
√ compensation were
Mensah Healthcare - - - - significant predictors of
et al. (2023)
innovative work
behavior among
employees.
A significant association
between
G-HRM (green rewards,
compensation, and
√ training) and
Albloush Public - - - - organizational
et al. (2022) Services
performance.
Human Capital mediates
the link between G-HRM
and Organizational
Performance.
Employee environmental
Hospitality √ √ √ attitudes encourage
Arshad - -
et al. (2022) and employees’ ecological
Tourism behavior and satisfaction
with the organization.
There is a mediation
effect of job satisfaction
√ √ on the relationship
Freire and Industry - - - between
Pieta (2022) G-HRM and its impact
on organizational
citizenship behavior.
A positive and
significant effect of
G-HRM on employee
and organizational
Ren and √ √
Hussain Industry - - - environmental
(2022) performance.
There is a partial
mediation of employee
environmental
performance.
G-HRM, aka G-HRM,
directly impacts
consumer behavior.
Hospitality √ √ Diffidence moderates the
Xiao et al. - - - relationship between
(2022) and
Tourism G-HRM and employee
performance and
employee eco-friendly
behavior.
Adm. Sci. 2024, 14, 78 12 of 19
Table 2. Cont.
Study Outcomes
Authors Setting Main Findings
(Year) Employee Employee Employee Client Sat- Organizational
Attitude Satisfaction Behavior isfaction Performance
A significant effect of
G-HRM practices on
green organizational
culture.
Al-Swidi Public √ √ G-HRM practices has a
- - - significant positive
et al. (2021) Services
relationship with
employees’ behavior and
organizational
performance.
Mousa and √ G-HRM practices had a
Othman Healthcare - - - - positive influence on
(2020) sustainable performance
G-HRM has a significant
indirect effect on
employee organizational
citizenship behavior
Hameed √ √ toward environment
Industry - - -
et al. (2019) through green employee
empowerment. The
individual green values
moderated this
relationship.
G-HRM practices
(employee life cycle,
education and training,
employee empowerment,
Zhang et al. √ and manager
Enterprises - - - -
(2019) involvement) all had
significant positive effect
on the employees in-role
and extra-role green
behavior.
A positive significant
correlation between
G-HMR practices
Rawashdeh √ (recruitment and
Healthcare - - - - selection, training, and
(2018)
development) and
organizational
performance.
A positive significant
correlation between the
G-HRM practices
(recruitment and
selection, training and
development,
Masri and √ performance
Jaaron Industry - - - - management and
(2017) appraisal, reward and
compensation, employee
empowerment and
participation, and green
management) and
environmental
performance.
et al. (2023), Li et al. (2023), Mensah et al. (2023), Arshad et al. (2022), Ren and Hussain
(2022), Xiao et al. (2022), Al-Swidi et al. (2021), Hameed et al. (2019), and Zhang et al.
(2019). The above-mentioned studies examined various G-HRM practices such as green
training, green hiring, green compensation, and employee empowerment and reported a
significant positive correlation with employee green behavior. These findings collectively
suggest a significant predictive validity of G-HRM practices on employee green behavior,
indicating that organizations implementing G-HRM practices are expected to achieve a
higher level of employee green behavior. This highlights the value of adopting environ-
mentally sustainable practices to foster a culture of green practices among employees in a
given context.
Organizational performance is another theme that has been widely examined in
previous studies as a significant outcome of implementing G-HRM practices (Albloush et al.
2022; Al-Swidi et al. 2021; El Baroudi et al. 2023; Elshaer et al. 2023; Freire and Pieta 2022;
Masri and Jaaron 2017; Mousa and Othman 2020; Rawashdeh 2018; Ren and Hussain 2022).
Elshaer et al. (2023) reported that the adoption of G-HRM practices has the potential to
enhance several aspects of organizational performance, including environmental, economic,
and social performance. Moreover, the positive connections established can be further
reinforced by the moderating influence of employees’ pro-environmental behavior (Elshaer
et al. 2023). Similarly, Albloush et al. (2022) found a significant association between G-
HRM practices such as green rewards, compensation, training, and organizational overall
performance. They also found that human capital mediates the association between G-
HRM practices and organizational performance (Albloush et al. 2022). Rawashdeh (2018)
investigated slightly different aspects of G-HRM, including green recruitment and selection,
green training, and development, and reported a significant positive correlation between
these G-HMR practices and organizational performance. It is clear from the literature that
G-HRM practices not only improved the organization’s triple bottom line performance (i.e.,
environmental, economic, and social) but also can sustain a competitive advantage such as
improvement of employees’ and the local community’s conditions (Elshaer et al. 2023).
Regarding employees’ green attitudes, four studies (Ali and Hassan 2023; Arshad
et al. 2022; El Baroudi et al. 2023; Hameed et al. 2019) affirm a positive correlation with
G-HRM practices. Ali et al. (Ali and Hassan 2023) reported a statistically significant
positive correlation between G-HRM Practices and employees’ work values, defined as
the beliefs and attitudes employees hold toward their work and the workplace. Ali et al.
further argued that work values can influence employee motivation, job satisfaction, and
commitment to the organization (Ali and Hassan 2023). El Baroudi et al. (2023) Took
a different perspective to examine G-HRM practices and their influence on employees’
behavior and attitudes and found that in-role and extra-role green employee behaviors
mediate the relationship between employee attitudes and perceptions of G-HRM practices.
Interestingly, Arshad et al. (2022) took a step further and explored the relationship between
employees’ attitudes on their job satisfaction and behavior and found that employee
environmental attitudes encourage employees’ ecological behavior and satisfaction with the
organization. Hameed et al. (2019) studied the influence of G-HRM practices on employees’
environmental performance and found that G-HRM practices significantly indirectly affect
organizational citizenship behavior toward the environment through green employee
empowerment. They also found that individual green values moderated this relationship
(Hameed et al. 2019). Although these four studies mentioned above examined different
G-HRM practices, such as eco-friendly training and the promotion of environmental values,
there seems to be an agreement that G-HRM practices contribute to the cultivation of
a green organizational culture, fostering positive attitudes toward sustainable practices
among employees and in turn positive green and general performance outcomes.
Conversely, studies investigating the impact of G-HRM practices on employees’ and
clients’ satisfaction found a notable scarcity in findings. Only one study investigated client
satisfaction; two articles discussed employee satisfaction as the main outcome. While
Arshad et al. (2022) and Freire and Pieta (2022) reported significant positive effects of G-
Adm. Sci. 2024, 14, 78 14 of 19
HRM practices on employees’ satisfaction, Xiao et al. (2022) indicated that G-HRM directly
impacts client satisfaction and behavior. Although research in this area is limited, emerging
evidence from these studies suggests a positive association between G-HRM practices
and employee and client green satisfaction. Organizations that prioritize environmental
responsibility in HR practices are perceived positively by employees and clients, leading to
increased customer satisfaction and strengthened business relationships.
4. Discussion
4.1. The Main Findings
G-HRM has gained significant attention as organizations seek sustainable practices.
This literature review synthesizes findings from 17 key articles published between 2013
and 2023, exploring the impact of G-HRM practices on both organizational and employee
performance. The results of this comprehensive literature review affirm the positive pre-
dictive relationship between G-HRM policies and employee green attitudes, employee
green satisfaction, client green satisfaction, employee green behavior, and organizational
green performance. This current study’s findings agree with previous literature reviews
that examined G-HRM practices (Benevene and Buonomo 2020; Faisal 2023). The overall
synthesis of findings underscores the importance of G-HRM as a strategic tool for organiza-
tions aiming to enhance their environmental sustainability initiatives. This concordance
highlights the significance of G-HRM practices as influential tools for fostering environ-
mentally conscious attitudes and behaviors within organizational settings (Ren et al. 2018).
The positive linkages identified across multiple dimensions emphasize the potential of
G-HRM practices to enhance ecological performance and contribute to employee and client
satisfaction (Xiao et al. 2022). However, a noteworthy observation arising from the literature
review is the scarcity of studies specifically examining the influence of G-HRM practices on
employee and client satisfaction. This gap in the literature suggests an area where future
research could make meaningful contributions. Understanding how G-HRM practices
directly impact the satisfaction levels of employees and clients is essential for comprehen-
sively evaluating the holistic impact of these practices on organizational effectiveness and
employees’ work values.
Several studies (Ali and Hassan 2023; Al-Swidi et al. 2021; Arshad et al. 2022; Ren et al.
2018) highlighted the concept of ‘work values’ as an influential factor in implementing
G-HRM practices. Wang et al. (2019) defined four subdomains of work values, including
social (ideals that emphasize societal contributions), extrinsic (values linked to employment
stability and compensation), prestige (values connected to power and influence), and
intrinsic (ideals related to autonomy and development). The classification of work values
into four distinct subdomains offers a nuanced understanding of individuals’ priorities
and beliefs in the workplace (Baykal et al. 2023). The social subdomain underscores
the importance of ideals prioritizing societal contributions, reflecting a commitment to
positively impacting the community through one’s professional endeavors (Ali and Hassan
2023). In contrast, the extrinsic subdomain centers on values associated with job stability
and compensation, encapsulating tangible and external factors that individuals deem
significant in their work lives. The prestige subdomain goes into values tied to power and
influence within the workplace, shedding light on the importance of status and recognition.
Lastly, the intrinsic subdomain encapsulates ideals related to personal autonomy and
professional development, emphasizing the intrinsic rewards derived from the nature and
growth of one’s work (Wang et al. 2019). This comprehensive framework provides a holistic
perspective on the multifaceted nature of work values, encompassing societal contributions,
external rewards, status, and personal fulfillment. It has been documented that G-HRM
practices can optimize employees’ work values, and this improvement in employees’ work
values potentially improves overall organizational performance (Liu and Lin 2020).
As organizations increasingly prioritize sustainability initiatives, G-HRM practices
emerge as pivotal instruments in aligning environmental stewardship with employee
satisfaction and ecological performance. The literature supports the idea that G-HRM
Adm. Sci. 2024, 14, 78 15 of 19
practices catalyze a workplace culture that values and integrates environmentally respon-
sible behaviors (Arshad et al. 2022; El Baroudi et al. 2023; Li et al. 2023). Ren et al. (2018)
noted that “designing and implementing G-HRM practices requires major investments in
organizational resources, likely leading managers to question whether such investments
are worthwhile.” It is also imperative to underscore that implementing G-HRM practices is
imperative rather than a luxury; thus, their planning, development, implementation, and
follow-up are important responsibilities (Amrutha and Geetha 2023).
Future research endeavors should examine the mechanisms that drive the observed
relationships. Investigating the specific pathways through which G-HRM practices in-
fluence employee attitudes, behaviors, and satisfaction, as well as their impact on client
satisfaction, can provide actionable insights for organizations seeking to enhance their
sustainability initiatives. Exploring potential moderating factors can also contribute to a
nuanced understanding of the dynamics involved, allowing for more context-specific and
effective implementation of G-HRM practices. Furthermore, considering the influence of
the country’s culture and the performance of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs),
we can see that this has the potential to improve our understanding of the actual impact of
all these factors on GHRM practices. Lastly, there may be a need to examine the different
practices of G-HRM in specific contexts. For example, there seem to be limited studies that
examined the G-HRM practices in healthcare settings (Ali and Hassan 2023; Mensah et al.
2023; Mousa and Othman 2020; Rawashdeh 2018). Examining G-HRM practices in the
healthcare sector may add valuable insights and contribute evidence-based strategies that
can inform the design and implementation of effective G-HRM practices, fostering a more
sustainable and responsible hospital culture.
While the existing literature establishes a compelling case for the positive outcomes
associated with G-HRM practices, there remains untapped potential for research to further
elucidate the interplay between these practices and sustainable organizational outcomes.
The recommendations stemming from this discussion underscore the need for future
studies to address the identified gaps and advance our understanding of G-HRM practices
in the context of fostering sustainability.
5. Conclusions
In conclusion, the reviewed literature provides good evidence supporting the positive
predictive relationship between G-HRM practices and employee green attitudes, employee
green satisfaction, client green satisfaction, employee green behavior, and organizational
green performance. However, limited studies have examined the influence of G-HRM
practices on employee and client satisfaction, and there is a need to include these outcomes
in future studies. As organizations prioritize sustainability, G-HRM practices emerge as
a critical tool for fostering environmentally conscious attitudes and behaviors, thereby
contributing to both employee satisfaction and organizational ecological performance.
Future research should focus more on the mechanisms underlying these relationships and
explore potential moderating factors to further enhance our understanding of the dynamics
between G-HRM practices and sustainable outcomes.
Author Contributions: Conceptualization, A.A. and J.R.; methodology, A.A.; validation, A.A. amd J.R.
formal analysis, A.A.; investigation, A.A.; resources, A.A.; data curation, A.A.; writing—original draft
preparation, A.A.; writing—review and editing, J.R.; visualization, A.A.; supervision, J.R.; project
administration, A.A. All authors have read and agreed to the published version of the manuscript.
Funding: This research received no external funding.
Institutional Review Board Statement: Not applicable.
Informed Consent Statement: Not applicable.
Data Availability Statement: No new data were created in this study. Data sharing is not applicable
to this article.
Conflicts of Interest: The authors declare no conflicts of interest.
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