From policy to practice: how green culture challenges the implementation of green human resource management

Purpose This study aims to assess the emerging concept of green cultural interaction and its implications for green human resource management (GHRM) in a global context. As organizations increasingly prioritize sustainability, understanding the integration of environmental values into organizational culture has become essential. Design/methodology/approach To address this objective, the study adopts a systematic literature review approach using major academic databases, including Dimensions and Lens. Approximately 1,000 research articles related to green culture, GHRM and associated policies were analyzed through citation and co-citation techniques. Additionally, network visualization tools were employed to map key research trends and intellectual structures within the domain. Findings The findings indicate that the integration of green human resource practices is becoming a strategic priority for organizations seeking to address complex environmental challenges. The study highlights that fostering a green organizational culture requires not only the implementation of innovative HR practices but also effective management of employee resistance and adaptation processes. Furthermore, the results suggest that the field of green culture is evolving rapidly, with increasing scholarly and practical attention toward sustainability-driven organizational transformation. Originality/value This study contributes to the existing literature by synthesizing fragmented research on green culture and GHRM, particularly in the context of post-pandemic organizational challenges. It offers valuable insights into emerging sustainable HR practices and provides a foundation for future research and policy development aimed at promoting environmentally responsible organizational behavior.