Stimulating Chinese college students’ organizational citizenship behavior toward the environment: the role of pro-environmental organizational climate, green self-efficacy and intrinsic motivation

Purpose This study aims to investigate the mechanisms through which a pro-environmental organizational climate (PEOC) can enhance organizational citizenship behavior toward the environment (OCBE) among college students. Design/methodology/approach Based on social cognitive theory and self-determination theory, the authors developed a theoretical model linking PEOC to college students’ OCBE. To validate this theoretical framework, the authors used structural equation modeling techniques to analyze data obtained from a sample of 392 undergraduate participants in China. Findings PEOC can significantly promote college students’ OCBE; green self-efficacy mediates the influence of PEOC on the college students’ OCBE, and the pro-environmental climate of the colleges can stimulate college students’ intrinsic motivation and thus positively influence college students’ OCBE. Originality/value The findings of this study enrich the research on PEOC, expand the factors that influence college students’ environmental behaviors and provide theoretical and practical references for how to promote green management practices in colleges from the perspective of PEOC.