Advancing Environmental Sustainability Through Green Human Resource Management: A Systematic Review of Empirical Evidence

Abstract

Global environmental challenges and increasing sustainability demands have prompted organizations to integrate ecological considerations into human resource management. Green Human Resource Management (GHRM) has emerged as a strategic approach to align HR practices with environmental objectives, fostering both organizational sustainability and employee pro-environmental behaviors. This study systematically reviews 21 empirical studies published between 2015 and 2025 to synthesize evidence on the impact of GHRM on environmental performance, employee green behavior, and related mediating and moderating mechanisms. The findings indicate that GHRM practices such as green recruitment, training, performance appraisal, rewards, and engagement initiatives positively influence environmental outcomes and foster eco-friendly behaviors among employees across various sectors and countries. Mediating variables, including affective commitment, green motivation, and environmental commitment, enhance these relationships, while moderators such as stakeholder pressures, COVID-19 lockdowns, and organizational context shape their strength. Despite growing evidence, research gaps remain in sector-specific studies, longitudinal designs, and cross-cultural investigations. This review provides insights for scholars and practitioners on designing effective GHRM interventions and highlights directions for future research to advance sustainable organizational practices.