Green training and organizational efficiency: mediating role of green competencies

• Published in: European journal of training and development 2022-01, Vol.46 (1/2), p.105-119
• Main Authors: Gull, Shamaila, Idrees, Hassan
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Administrators; Business Administration; Business operations; Climate change; Competence; Conservation (Environment); Efficiency; Employees; Environment; Environmental performance; Environmental policy; Environmental protection; Foreign Countries; Holistic Approach; Human resource management; Human Resources; Job Skills; Lifelong Learning; Literature Reviews; Management Systems; Manufacturing; Motivation; Opportunities; Organizational Effectiveness; Organizational Objectives; Research methodology; Social Responsibility; Sustainability; Sustainable development; Training
• ISSN: 2046-9012; 2046-9020
• DOI: 10.1108/EJTD-10-2020-0147

Purpose This paper aims to highlight the importance of implementing green training as a part of green management practices in organizational operations by building the arguments through the lens of Ability–Motivation–Opportunity (AMO) theory. In this regard, the mediating impact of green competencies on the association between green training and organizational efficiency is determined. Design/methodology/approach The research followed a quantitative and cross-sectional approach. The study involved ISO-14001 certified textile manufacturing organizations to better serve the research purpose. The responses were collected from 235 managerial-level employees through purposive sampling. The data analysis was performed by using structural equation modelling to examine the interrelated dependence of the variables. Findings The findings of the study reveal that green training is essential for environmentally responsible organizations to attain their goals of efficient resource consumption in addition to serving the greater cause of environmental protection. There is a dire need to impart environmental-friendly competencies to the employees who resultantly become able to adopt eco-efficient ways of doing business. Research limitations/implications This study also has limitations regarding the generalizability of its results. It is primarily because of the limited sample size and restricted geographical domain. Additionally, AMO theory has not been empirically tested in this study. Practical implications Progressive textile manufacturers need to incorporate a consistent policy for green management practices to meet the expectation of their international clients and to remain competitive in international markets. It is equally important for the governmental authorities to design such environmental policies which necessitate the need of incorporating pro-environment business practices and measuring their outcomes. Originality/value This study will contribute to enrich the literature by offering an empirical analysis of green training for achieving the organizational efficiency in textile manufacturing sector. It will be a novel context to contribute to the literature of green management practices and its related fields. Moreover, the study is one of its kind that uses the AMO theory to identify the mediating role of green competencies for understanding the association between green training and organizational efficiency.