Does green HRM really matter for sustainable performance? The role of environmental consciousness and green intellectual capital

The purpose of this study is to investigate the impact of a set of green human resource management (HRM) practices on sustainable performance in Pakistani higher education institutions (HEIs), while also taking into account the mediating influence of environmental consciousness and green intellectual capital. Furthermore, the study aims to assess the association between environmental consciousness and green intellectual capital, along with the sustainable outcome. The study data was collected from 250 HR managers and executive officers who were responsible for implementing green HRM practices and sustainable performance in the education sector of Pakistan. Smart PLS-4 software was used to perform the statistical analysis of the data. According to the results of this study, green HRM practices play a substantial role in enhancing sustainable performance. The study also identified a link between green HRM practices and sustainable performance via environmental awareness and green intellectual capital. The research contributes to the theoretical paradigm’s social cognitive theory by offering information on green HRM practice bundles and sustainable performance. The research also demonstrates that green intellectual capital and environmental consciousness operate as a bridge between green HRM practices and long-term sustainable performance. The study’s findings have real-world applications for education, policymakers, and human resource managers at the highest levels. In order to achieve sustainable performance, the study emphasizes the significance of developing green intellectual capital and implementing green HRM practices.