What question did this study set out to answer?

This research aims to explore how green human resource management (GHRM) influences sustainability outcomes in small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).

May 24, 2026Open Access

Bridging green human resource management and SME sustainable outcomes: the catalytic role of green knowledge-management, innovation, and employee perception of sustainability of the organizational support

Key Points

This research aims to explore how green human resource management (GHRM) influences sustainability outcomes in small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).
Quantitative research design utilized to collect data from 508 managerial staff members in SMEs across five polluted regions in China.
Data analysis performed using SmartPLS 4.1 software to examine relationships between GHRM, green knowledge-management, and sustainability outcomes.
GHRM significantly affects both green knowledge-management processes and sustainability outcomes (p<0.05).
Green knowledge-management and green innovation partially mediate the relationship between GHRM and sustainability outcomes.
Employee perception of organizational support significantly moderates the relationships between GHRM and sustainability outcomes (β=-0.174) and green innovation and sustainability outcomes (β=0.090).

Abstract

Given the critical role small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) have in the country’s growth, sustaining their outcome is essential for gaining competitive advantages. This research used a quantitative research design to investigate the impact of green human resource management (GHRM), green innovation (GINN), and green knowledge-management processes (GKMP) on SME sustainability outcomes (SOS). Using a purposive sampling approach, data were collected from 508 managerial staff members of SMEs located in five major polluted areas: Shaanxi, Henan, Shanxi, Hebei, and Shandong, in China. The data were then analyzed using SmartPLS 4.1 software. The results indicate that GHRM significantly influences GKMP, GINN, and SOS. Additionally, GKMP and GINN were found to partially mediate the link between GHRM and SOS. The study also confirms a significant moderating impact of individuals’ perception of the sustainability of organizational support between GHRM and SOS (-0.174) and between GINN and SOS (0.090). The study’s practical outcomes suggest ways to design and implement GHRM initiatives that enhance an organization’s sustainability development goals.

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