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Can green behaviors really be increased for all employees? Trade‐offs for “deep greens” in a goal‐oriented green human resource management intervention

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  • Matthew C. Davis
  • Kerrie L. Unsworth
  • Sally V. Russell
  • Jennifer J. Galvan

Abstract

This study explores the complex interaction between psychological and goal‐relevant boundary conditions that influence levels of individual engagement in a green human resource management (HRM) intervention designed to encourage employee green behavior (EGB). Data were collected from 1,112 employees in an automobile manufacturing plant. Consistent with goal‐setting theory, the level of feedback received predicts EGB. However, a three‐way interaction demonstrates how employees with high levels of autonomous motivation do not gain the expected benefits of high feedback and high goal commitment in the enactment of EGB. Instead, only those with weak autonomous motivation are affected by these goal‐related constructs. Findings suggest that both goal‐setting and self‐determination theories are relevant to green HRM interventions. Managers should consider that interventions that are effective for employees who do not have strong autonomous motivation towards the environment may not be effective for those who do.

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  • Matthew C. Davis & Kerrie L. Unsworth & Sally V. Russell & Jennifer J. Galvan, 2020. "Can green behaviors really be increased for all employees? Trade‐offs for “deep greens” in a goal‐oriented green human resource management intervention," Business Strategy and the Environment, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 29(2), pages 335-346, February.
    • Handle: RePEc:bla:bstrat:v:29:y:2020:i:2:p:335-346
    DOI: 10.1002/bse.2367
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