Leveraging sustainable performance through government policy and green human resource management: the interplay of green transformational leadership and employee commitment

Purpose This study aims to explore the impact of government policies and green human resource management (GHRM) on advancing sustainable performance within Vietnamese organisations, focusing on the interplay between GHRM, green transformational leadership and employee commitment. It highlights the mediating role of GHRM in shaping these relationships, offering a comprehensive understanding of the mechanisms driving sustainability initiatives. Design/methodology/approach The study adopts a quantitative research methodology, using a cross-sectional design and using the Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modelling technique for data analysis. Empirical data were collected from 230 leaders and managers within Vietnamese organisations to investigate the intricate relationships among government policy, GHRM, green transformational leadership, employee commitment and sustainable performance. Findings The findings reveal that government policies and GHRM are pivotal in organisational sustainability. Green transformational leadership and government policies positively influence GHRM, which, along with leadership, boosts employee commitment. Notably, employee commitment does not directly affect sustainable performance. Furthermore, GHRM partially mediates the relationships between green transformational leadership, government policies and sustainable performance, highlighting its indispensable role in driving organisational sustainability initiatives. Originality/value This study addresses critical gaps in the existing literature by elucidating the mediating role of GHRM in promoting sustainability, particularly in emerging markets such as Vietnam. It advances the resource-based view and stakeholder theories, providing actionable guidance for organisations and policymakers to achieve sustainable development. Practically, the study suggests managers tailor GHRM strategies to boost employee commitment and sustainable performance within their organisations. Owing to the study’s contextual limitations, future research should explore its applicability in other regions and countries.