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Exploring Links Between Green HRM, Greenwashing, and Sustainability: The Role of Individual and Professional Traits

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  • Francisco Cesário

    (Management Department, Atlântica—Instituto Universitário, 2730-036 Lisbon, Portugal
    School of Psychology, ISPA—Instituto Universitário, 1149-041 Lisboa, Portugal)

  • Ana Sabino

    (School of Psychology, ISPA—Instituto Universitário, 1149-041 Lisboa, Portugal
    APPsyCI—Applied Psychology Research Center Capabilities Inclusion, 1149-041 Lisboa, Portugal)

  • Ana Palma-Moreira

    (Faculdade de Ciências Sociais e Tecnologia, Universidade Europeia, Quinta do Bom Nome, Estr. da Correia 53, 1500-210 Lisboa, Portugal)

  • Mafalda Pinto-Coelho

    (School of Psychology, ISPA—Instituto Universitário, 1149-041 Lisboa, Portugal)

Abstract

This study aims to investigate the influence of Green Human Resources Management practices and greenwashing on the three pillars of sustainability—social, environmental, and economic. The moderating role of age and gender as individual characteristics and managerial position and sector as professional characteristics is also analyzed. A convenience sample of 232 respondents was used. Path analysis was employed to assess hypothesized relationships in the proposed model. Results suggest that different Green Human Resources Management practices influence social, environmental, and economic dimensions and individual and professional characteristics play a pivotal role in this relationship. Specifically, it is important to highlight the importance of green performance management and rewards and the non-significant influence of green training. Greenwashing seems to be a determinant of social and economic sustainability. The results emphasize that, for organizations to boost their employees’ perception of the three pillars of organizational sustainability, they must be aware of the specificities of their workforce and act accordingly. This work is relevant because it emphasizes the unique role of each GHRM practice as an antecedent of sustainability. It also contributes to the understanding that specific individual and professional characteristics affect the employees’ perception of sustainability.

Suggested Citation

  • Francisco Cesário & Ana Sabino & Ana Palma-Moreira & Mafalda Pinto-Coelho, 2025. "Exploring Links Between Green HRM, Greenwashing, and Sustainability: The Role of Individual and Professional Traits," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 17(4), pages 1-19, February.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:17:y:2025:i:4:p:1764-:d:1595064
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    References listed on IDEAS

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