When Politics Undermine Sustainability: How Organizational Politics Erode Green Advocacy Through Cynicism and Ego Depletion

This study investigates how perceived organizational politics influence employees’ green advocacy behavior in the hotel sector, drawing on Social Exchange Theory. It examines the mediating roles of employee cynicism and ego depletion, as well as the moderating effect of a green mind-set. Data were collected from 393 full-time employees in Egyptian five-star hotels. The research model was tested using partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) with SmartPLS. Results reveal that perceived organizational politics significantly reduces green advocacy behavior. Organizational politics increases cynicism and ego depletion, which in turn diminish employees’ willingness to engage in green advocacy. Both cynicism and ego depletion serve as significant mediators. Furthermore, a green mind-set buffers these negative effects, weakening the influence of organizational politics on cynicism, ego depletion, and green advocacy behavior. These findings extend the understanding of the psychological mechanisms through which organizational politics undermines pro-environmental engagement and highlight the protective value of cultivating a green mind-set among employees. The findings highlight the importance of minimizing politicized work environments in hotels and fostering a green mind-set among employees. Hotel managers are encouraged to promote fairness, transparency, and psychological resource support to enhance employees’ pro-environmental advocacy.