Microfoundations of Environmental Strategy: How Support and Climate Influence Proximal Versus Distal Employee Green Behaviours

ABSTRACT Employee green behaviour (EGB) is essential for advancing organisational sustainability, yet the role of emotional support mechanisms in fostering different types of EGB remains underexamined. This study examines how perceived organisational support (POS), perceived supervisory support (PSS) and affective commitment interact with a green organisational climate to predict EGB. Distinguishing between proximal (low‐complexity) and distal (high‐complexity) EGB led to novel understandings of predictive social exchange mechanisms. Using survey data from 408 employees in the United Kingdom and United States, results indicate that POS primarily predicts distal EGB, while PSS relates more closely to proximal EGB. Affective commitment emerges as an important mediator for the effects of POS and PSS. Critically, green organisational climate strengthens these relationships, particularly for distal behaviours. These findings highlight the importance of combining supportive workplace relationships with pro‐environmental norms to encourage more meaningful sustainability behaviours in employees. This research also informs practical interventions that balance climate initiatives with support in the workplace.