Transforming public healthcare in Nigeria: the impact of green human resource management in promoting environmental sustainability

Purpose This study aims to investigate the role of Green Human Resource Management Practices (GHRMPs) in pro-environmental behaviour (PEB) among healthcare workers in public hospitals in Lagos State, Nigeria. It further examines the mediating role of Green Autonomy (GA) and the moderating effect of sustainable leadership (SL) grounded by the ability-motivation-opportunity (AMO) theory, social exchange theory (SET) and self-determination theory (SDT). Design/methodology/approach An analytical, cross-sectional research design was employed, utilizing convenience sampling to gather data from 326 healthcare workers. The study employed a structured questionnaire adapted from reputable sources to measure the constructs. The proposed model was analysed using partial least squares structural equation modelling (PLS-SEM) with SmartPLS 4.0 to assess both direct and indirect relationships among variables. Findings The results revealed that GHRMPs have a significant effect on PEB and GA. GA also significantly predicted PEB and partially mediated the relationship between GHRMPs and PEB. Additionally, SL moderated the relationship between GA and PEB, such that higher levels of SL weakened the positive effect of GA on pro-environmental PEB. However, SL did not moderate the relationship between GHRMPs and PEB. Practical implications The study guides healthcare administrators and policymakers in strengthening PEB among healthcare workers. Hospital management can improve environmental performance through effective GHRMPs and bounded support for GA and SL that provides clear direction, standards and accountability. These measures can enhance environmental performance in public hospitals and support broader sustainability goals. Originality/value This study is the first to examine GHRMPs, GA, SL and PEB together in Nigerian public hospitals through the lens of AMO, SET and SDT.