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Sustainable Leadership and Green HRM: Fostering Environmentally Responsible Organizational Cultures

Author

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  • Megren Abdullah Altassan

    (Department of Human Resources Management, University of Business and Technology, Jeddah 21448, Saudi Arabia)

Abstract

This study explores how sustainability leadership and Green Human Resource Management (Green HRM) practices interplay to cultivate an environmentally responsible culture in organizations based in Jeddah. Through thematic analysis of participant interviews, the research identifies key leadership behaviors, such as visionary communication, role modeling, and operational integration, that align culturally grounded ethical values to drive sustainability. Green HRM practices, including green recruitment, targeted training, eco-friendly performance appraisals, and recognition systems, further reinforce these leadership efforts. The study highlights the importance of authentic alignment between leadership values and HRM policies to avoid perceptions of greenwashing and to institutionalize sustainable practices effectively. Findings emphasize that embedding sustainability within organizational culture requires a synergistic approach integrating leadership vision, HRM systems, and cultural context, fostering employee motivation and long-term environmental commitment. The implications provide valuable insights for organizations seeking to implement meaningful sustainability strategies aligned with both global goals and local values.

Suggested Citation

  • Megren Abdullah Altassan, 2025. "Sustainable Leadership and Green HRM: Fostering Environmentally Responsible Organizational Cultures," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 17(20), pages 1-19, October.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:17:y:2025:i:20:p:9331-:d:1775944
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Rodrigo Lozano, 2015. "A Holistic Perspective on Corporate Sustainability Drivers," Corporate Social Responsibility and Environmental Management, John Wiley & Sons, vol. 22(1), pages 32-44, January.
    2. Benameur Dahinine & Abderrazak Laghouag & Wassila Bensahel & Majed Alsolami & Tarek Guendouz, 2024. "Modelling the Combined Effect of Green Leadership and Human Resource Management in Moving to Green Supply Chain Performance Enhancement in Saudi Arabia," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 16(10), pages 1-18, May.
    3. Olivier Boiral & Charles Baron & Olen Gunnlaugson, 2014. "Environmental Leadership and Consciousness Development: A Case Study Among Canadian SMEs," Journal of Business Ethics, Springer, vol. 123(3), pages 363-383, September.
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