Green human resource management practices : a conceptual review

Abstract

In recent years, there has been a significant increase in global interest regarding environmental issues. This heightened awareness has placed additional expectations on businesses and industries to adopt and implement sustainable management practices with environmentally friendly products and practices. Today, there is a greater emphasis on conducting business in an environmentally responsible manner, reflecting a collective understanding that organisations play a vital role in society and must integrate sustainable practices into their operations. Green HRM has recently garnered significant interest from researchers and practitioners alike. Although the relevance of green HRM is evident across various dimensions, there remains a limited understanding of the topic, as the existing literature indicates that comprehensive guidelines for green HRM have yet to be established. This review utilises desktop research to provide insights into green HRM and its various practices and highlights the significance of this concept. Findings offer a practical implication postulating that organisations committed to implementing green HRM initiatives are likely to attract a broader customer base and gain increased support from stakeholders, while also ensuring compliance with legal and ethical standards. The theoretical implications of this study highlight the need for a more in-depth empirical investigation into the identified practices of green HRM, particularly concerning their effectiveness. Furthermore, from a practical standpoint, organisational management and business leaders need to implement green HRM initiatives. This approach is likely to attract a wider customer base, enhance stakeholder support, and ensure compliance with legal and ethical standards.