Exploring the relationship between sustainable strategy and sustainable performance in a mediated mechanism with socially responsible human resource management

Grounded upon social exchange theory (SET), the primary objective of this study is to investigate the impact of organizations' sustainable strategy (SS) on socially responsible human resource management (SRHRM), and its subsequent impact on sustainable performance (SP) in a mediated mechanism. Using the deductive reasoning approach, data were collected from information and communication technology (ICT) professionals through random sampling techniques via self-administered survey questionnaires. Partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) was used to analyze the data. The results show that SS significantly influences SRHRM and SP, with the influence of SRHRM on SP also found to be significant. Furthermore, the mediation effect revealed that SRHRM partially mediates the influence of SS on SP. The core contribution of the study to the sustainability literature that integrates SS with SP is the demonstration of the mediating role of SRHRM, as no previous research demonstrated the essence of SRHRM in a mediated nexus. It is hoped that the study will be of significant value to practicing professionals in ICT firms, as it provides a clear direction to sustainability by nurturing socially responsible HR values and practices. Moreover, the study findings should encourage a sense of urgency among professionals and policymakers to pay attention to environmental priorities.