The role of green HRM and intellectual capital in firm performance: a mediated-moderated analysis

Purpose This study investigates the influence of green intellectual capital (GIC) and green human resource management (GHRM) on firm performance, examining the mediating role of green innovation and the moderating effect of green knowledge sharing (GKS) within the framework of Intellectual Capital-Based View (ICBV) theory. Design/methodology/approach Data were collected from managers and supervisors of food manufacturing enterprises in Pakistan through a structured questionnaire. A purposive sampling technique was employed to ensure that only participants with relevant knowledge and experience were included in the study. A total of 431 responses were analyzed in Smart-PLS 4 to test the study hypotheses and SPSS was utilized for descriptive statistics. Findings The results confirm that GIC significantly enhances firm performance, both directly and indirectly, through the mediating role of GHRM and green innovation. Green knowledge sharing significantly moderates the relationship between green innovation and firm performance. The findings highlight the critical role of GIC and GHRM in fostering green innovation and achieving sustainable competitive advantage. Practical implications The study underscores the importance of integrating GIC and GHRM practices to achieve superior environmental and organizational outcomes. It recommends that firms invest in green training, performance management, and knowledge-sharing mechanisms to foster a culture of sustainability and innovation, particularly in resource-constrained settings. Originality/value This research contributes to the growing discourse on sustainability by exploring the under-researched dynamics of GIC and GHRM in an emerging economy context. It provides valuable insights into how green strategies can drive firm performance through innovation and knowledge sharing in the food manufacturing sector.