Green human resource management as a driver of social sustainability in coastal maritime firms

Abstract This study investigates the relationship between Green Human Resource Management (Green HRM) practices and social sustainability in coastal maritime firms. While existing research has largely focused on the environmental outcomes of Green HRM, its contribution to social sustainability remains underexplored, particularly in the maritime context, which is characterized by strong environmental exposure and social interdependencies. Using a quantitative research design, data were collected through questionnaires administered to 96 senior executives (CEOs and directors) from shipping and shipping-related companies operating in the coastal zone of the Attica region, Greece. Social sustainability was conceptualized as a multidimensional construct encompassing innovation, poverty elimination, education, health, water stewardship and community engagement, while Green HRM was operationalized through green involvement, training and performance management practices. Exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses were conducted to validate the measurement models, followed by regression analysis to examine the predictive effect of Green HRM on social sustainability. The results indicate that Green HRM practices have a significant and positive effect on social sustainability. Firms with more developed Green HRM systems exhibit stronger performance across key social sustainability dimensions, including employee well-being, social equity and community-oriented initiatives. The findings contribute to the sustainability and human resource management literature by providing empirical evidence that Green HRM functions as a strategic organizational mechanism fostering social sustainability in coastal maritime firms and offers practical insights for advancing socially resilient business models.