Integrating HR, Intellectual Capital, Ambidextrous Innovation, and Environmental Regulation for Sustainable Success in Bangladesh’s Manufacturing Industry

This study examines how environmental regulation (ER), green intellectual capital (GIC), green human resource management (GHRM), and green ambidextrous innovation (GAI) contribute to enhancing the sustainable performance (SP) of manufacturing firms. Using a quantitative approach, data from 472 managers of green garment manufacturing firms in Bangladesh were analyzed with SmartPLS4 software. The results indicate that GHRM and GIC positively impact SP, with GIC exerting a stronger influence on GAI—encompassing green exploitative innovation (EIGI) and green exploratory innovation (ERGI)—compared to GHRM. Additionally, GAI positively affects SP and serves as a partial mediator in the GIC-SP relationship but not in the GHRM-SP relationship. ER negatively moderates the GHRM-SP and GHRM-GAI links, while it positively moderates the GIC-GAI relationship, albeit weakly in the GIC-SP connection. This study highlights GAI’s mediating roles in the GHRM-SP (specifically, GHRM-EIGI-SP and GHRM-ERGI-SP) and GIC-SP (specifically, GIC-EIGI-SP and GIC-ERGI-SP) relationships within a regulatory context. By introducing fresh perspectives, this research advances green management studies, offering valuable insights for academics and industry professionals. It provides a strategic framework for firms to navigate regulations, foster innovation, optimize human and intangible resources, and enhance sustainable performance, thereby positioning themselves as leaders in the global market.