The Impact of Green Recruitment on Organizational Sustainability: Investigating the Mediating Role of Employee Eco-Friendly Behaviors in Saudi Arabia's Industrial Sectors

Abstract

Sustainability has become a key driver of modern organizational strategies, with Green Human Resource Management (GHRM) practices emerging as vital tools for aligning business operations with environmental goals. This study examines the direct and indirect relationships between Green Recruitment Practices, Employee Eco-Friendly Behaviors, and Organizational Sustainability in Saudi Arabia’s industrial sectors. A sample of 320 employees and operational managers from various industrial organizations was collected using a stratified random sampling technique. The data were analyzed using structural equation modeling, allowing for the examination of complex relationships and the mediating role of employee behaviors.
Drawing on Social Identity Theory (SIT), Signaling Theory, and Social Exchange Theory (SET), this study explores how green recruitment practices attract environmentally conscious candidates and foster eco-friendly behaviors that contribute to organizational sustainability. The findings reveal that green recruitment practices positively influence both employee eco-friendly behaviors and organizational sustainability. Moreover, eco-friendly behaviors partially mediate the relationship between green recruitment and sustainability, indicating that while green recruitment directly enhances sustainability outcomes, its impact is significantly amplified when eco-conscious behaviors are fostered among employees.
This research contributes theoretically by integrating multiple frameworks to explain how GHRM practices drive sustainability. Practically, it offers actionable insights for organizations to integrate green recruitment and employee engagement strategies to achieve sustainability objectives. The findings are particularly relevant to Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, which prioritizes sustainability through initiatives like the Saudi Green Initiative. This study emphasizes the need for strategic HR practices that foster a sustainability-driven workforce, driving both environmental and economic outcomes.