Green human resource management and sustainable performance: serial mediating role of green knowledge management and green innovation

Purpose The sustainable performance of manufacturing companies may commence with employees’ eco-friendly initiatives. The management is responsible for employee green initiatives, requiring the human resource department to develop and implement green strategies. Therefore, it is essential to investigate how green human resource management enhances sustainable performance among manufacturing personnel. This study aims to determine if the green knowledge management and green innovation of manufacturing employees serve as serial mediators in the relationship between green human resource management and sustainable performance. Additionally, if artificial intelligence facilitated the relationship between green human resource management, green knowledge management and sustainable performance. Design/methodology/approach The data were gathered from manufacturing firm managers and analyzed using partial least squares structural equation modeling. Findings The results indicated a notable and positive correlation between green human resource management and sustainable performance, green knowledge management and green innovation. Green knowledge management and green innovation exhibited significant positive correlations with sustainable performance. Additionally, green knowledge management and green innovation facilitated the connection between green human resource management and sustainable performance. This relationship was serially mediated by green knowledge management and green innovation. Furthermore, artificial intelligence moderated the relationship between green human resource management, green knowledge management and sustainable performance. Practical implications This study suggests that management can use study findings in decision-making to improve firms’ sustainable performance. Originality/value This study provides novel empirical evidence by investigating the mediation roles of green knowledge management and green innovation between green human resource management and sustainable performance through the lens of the natural resource orchestration theory.