How climate for green initiatives drives eco-innovative and citizenship behaviours: the role of green engagement and green values

Purpose This study proposes and tests the nexus between climate for green initiatives, green innovative behaviour, organisational citizenship behaviour for the environment, green work engagement, and individual green values. Design/methodology/approach The study adopted the explanatory research design, where data were gathered from 374 star-rated frontline employees at two different waves within a one-month interval. The data retrieved from the respondents were analysed using descriptive and inferential (partial least squares structural equation modelling) statistics. Findings The study revealed that a climate for green initiatives positively and significantly relates to green innovative behaviour and organisational citizenship behaviour for the environment. Also, the results revealed that green work engagement mediates the said relationships. In addition, individual green values significantly moderate the nexus between climate for green initiatives and organisational citizenship behaviour for the environment, but do not moderate the nexus between a climate for green initiatives and green innovative behaviour. Practical implications Managers should cultivate a strong green climate and actively engage employees in sustainability efforts, as doing so drives pro-environmental behaviours, especially among those with strong green values. Originality/value To the best of our knowledge, this study presents a pioneering investigation into the behavioural dynamics underpinning employee green behaviours, as well as brings to bear original insights that challenge the conventional wisdom and existing assumptions in the hospitality industry literature.