Achieving sustainable excellence: investigating the impact of green HRM, circular economy, and green knowledge sharing on the sustainable performance of Bangladesh’s green garment industry

Purpose This study aims to examine the impact of green human resource management (GHRM) on the sustainable performance (SP) of Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED)-certified ready-made garment (RMG) organizations in Bangladesh. It further explores the mediating roles of circular economy practices and green knowledge sharing (GKS). Design/methodology/approach A quantitative research approach was employed using PLS-SEM 4.0.9 to analyze data collected from 345 managers across various categories of LEED-certified garment organizations. Findings The findings confirm a significant positive relationship between GHRM and SP. Circular economy practices and GKS function as key mediators, reinforcing the link between GHRM and sustainable performance. Practical implications This study recommends that policymakers and industry practitioners leverage GHRM to enhance sustainability in Bangladesh’s RMG organizations, the country’s second-largest labor-intensive industry. By integrating circular economy principles and promoting GKS, organizations can drive long-term environmental and economic benefits. Originality/value This research advances the existing literature by unveiling the mechanisms through which GHRM influences SP, thereby enriching our understanding of sustainable management practices in emerging economies.