Configurations for building green intellectual capital: an integration of the TOE framework and resource orchestration theory

Purpose With the increasing importance of environmental sustainability, green intellectual capital (GIC) has emerged as a critical element for enterprises striving toward sustainable development. This study aims to explore the multi-dimensional driving mechanisms of GIC by considering technological, organizational, and environmental factors, addressing the limitations of prior studies that typically focus on isolated factors. Design/methodology/approach Drawing on the technology-organization-environment (TOE) framework and resource orchestration theory, this study identifies green information systems (GIS), green human resource management (GHRM), and environmental regulations (ER) as key drivers of GIC. Fuzzy-set qualitative comparative analysis (fsQCA) was applied to 252 survey responses to identify configuration paths leading to high levels of green human, structural, and relational capital. Findings The results reveal multiple configurations through which high GIC can be achieved. Specifically, the combination of GHRM and GIS is instrumental in fostering green human and structural capital, while a balanced configuration of GHRM, GIS, and ER facilitates the development of green relational capital. GHRM and GIS emerge as core conditions across most configurations. Practical implications The findings offer practical guidance for managers seeking to build GIC by emphasizing the strategic alignment of internal resources and external pressures. Organizations can select and orchestrate green strategies based on their unique resource endowments and environmental contexts. Originality/value This study contributes to the literature by moving beyond the analysis of single-factor influences, offering a configurational perspective on the formation of GIC. It demonstrates the synergistic interplay among technological, organizational, and regulatory elements, enriching theoretical understandings of sustainable organizational practices.