The effect of corporate social responsibility on environmental performance: the mediating role of green innovation and green human resource management

Abstract

Purpose

This research looks at the link between corporate social responsibility (CSR) and environmental performance, considering the immediate mutual interaction and the potential mediation of specific variables like green innovation and green human resource management (GHRM).

Design/methodology/approach

Partial least squares path modeling was used to investigate a sample of 460 respondents in multinational textile manufacturing companies in Ethiopia.

Findings

The findings of this study reveal a direct and positive relationship between CSR and environmental performance. In addition, the researchers observed an indirect effect on the relationship by using GHRM and green innovation as mediators.

Research limitations/implications

The study applied a cross-sectional methodology, and experts are not sure that CSR, GHRM, and green innovation in Textile manufacturing companies provide the same results over time. Consequently, future researchers can utilize the same method of investigation to see if outcomes change or stay the same over time. Second the study was conducted in Ethiopia. As a resut, it is possible that our study results will not be generalizable to other emerging nations. We propose expanding research to include more nations with developing markets.

Practical implications

Executives of textile manufacturing companies can adopt the present study framework of performance in developing economies to reduce waste, pollution and air emissions, and conserve water, energy and nonrenewable resources that enhance environmental performance.

Originality/value

The discovery of the present research makes significant contributions to the literature on the impact of CSR on environmental performance as a pioneering study by incorporating CSR, GHRM, green innovation and environmental performance under one research model in an emerging economy context.

Citation

Zhou, S., Tiruneh, W.A. and Legese, M.A. (2023), "The effect of corporate social responsibility on environmental performance: the mediating role of green innovation and green human resource management", International Journal of Emerging Markets, Vol. ahead-of-print No. ahead-of-print. https://doi.org/10.1108/IJOEM-02-2022-0211