Investigating the Mediating Effect of Green Work Engagement on the Relationship between Green Human Resource Management and Employee Green Work Behavior: A Study of Chinese Higher Education Industry
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Abstract
This research explores the relationship between green human resource management (GHRM) practices and employees’ green workplace behaviors in higher education institutions (HEIs), focusing on the mediating role of green work engagement (GWE). As global sustainability becomes increasingly important, HEIs are integrating eco-friendly strategies into their operations. The study emphasizes HRM’s role in embedding sustainability through green recruitment, training, incentives, and evaluations. While GHRM has been widely studied in manufacturing and service sectors, its application in HEIs, particularly in China, remains underexplored. This research addresses that gap by examining how GHRM influences employees' in-role and extra-role green behaviors, and how GWE mediates this relationship. It also evaluates how HEIs can enhance environmental sustainability through effective HRM strategies. Grounded in social exchange theory (SET), and supported by the job demands-resources (JDR) model and the broaden-and-build theory (BBT), the study develops a comprehensive research model. Data were collected from 400 academic and administrative staff across four universities in Shenyang, China, via self-administered questionnaires. Findings confirm that GHRM positively impacts both types of green behavior and that GWE plays a significant mediating role. These results align with previous research suggesting that employees reciprocate green initiatives with stronger engagement and environmental commitment. The study recommends integrating GHRM into core HR policies at Chinese HEIs, forming sustainability teams, and encouraging green engagement through incentives and collaboration. Future research should expand to different regions and sectors, adopt longitudinal methods, and explore mediators like green organizational support, climate, and leadership.
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