Green Human Resource Management in the manufacturing sector: a bibliometric literature review

This study aims to examine the structure of Green Human Resource Management (GHRM) within the manufacturing industry research field and identify future research directions in this area as GHRM increasingly gains scholarly attention. This study utilised a comprehensive three-step approach. Initially, Scopus was selected as the primary database for its extensive coverage, followed by applying a targeted search strategy to gather literature on GHRM in the manufacturing sector, yielding 117 relevant articles. The analysis was twofold: a performance analysis to assess the impact and role of research elements within the field and a co-words analysis for mapping scientific relationships and trends in GHRM, using tools like VosViewer and MS Excel for visualisation. This methodology enabled a detailed exploration of the GHRM landscape, focusing on established research and emerging trends. The findings indicate a growing interest in GHRM in manufacturing since 2020, yet the total volume of publications remains relatively modest. The research identified four main clusters of focus: the integration of sustainability in business practices, the effects of environmental management behaviours on organisational performance, the role of sustainability in enhancing competitive advantage and sustainable development, and the formation of conceptual and strategic frameworks for sustainable practices. Notably, emerging research areas from 2021 to 2023 encompass digital challenges related to Big Data and digital transformation, the interplay of organisational learning and knowledge management in green management, and the influence of employee engagement on GHRM. This paper contributes to the field by mapping out the current state and evolution of GHRM within the manufacturing sector, highlighting both established and emerging areas of interest. It provides a comprehensive overview of how sustainability is integrated into business operations and impacts organisational performance and competitive advantage. The study offers some implications for practitioners in the manufacturing industry by identifying key areas of focus for implementing and enhancing GHRM practices. It underscores the importance of digital transformation, organisational learning, and employee engagement in the successful adoption of green management practices.