Green Human Resource Management and Sustainability Performance in UAE Manufacturing Firms: The Mediating Role of Green Innovation

Abstract

This study examines the effect of Green Human Resource Management (GHRM) on Sustainability Performance and investigates the mediating role of Green Innovation in UAE manufacturing firms. Drawing on the Resource-Based View and Stakeholder Theory, the study proposes that green HRM practices develop internal environmental capabilities that support green product and process innovation, which in turn enhances sustainability outcomes. Data were collected through a structured survey of managers and professionals from UAE manufacturing firms, resulting in 306 valid responses. The data were analysed using partial least squares structural equation modelling. The findings show that GHRM has a positive and significant effect on Green Innovation and Sustainability Performance. Green Innovation also has a positive and significant effect on Sustainability Performance. In addition, Green Innovation partially mediates the relationship between GHRM and Sustainability Performance, indicating that green HRM improves sustainability outcomes both directly and indirectly through innovation capability. The model explains 59.9% of the variance in Green Innovation and 73.3% of the variance in Sustainability Performance, demonstrating substantial explanatory power. The study contributes to the green HRM and sustainability literature by providing empirical evidence from the UAE manufacturing sector, an underexplored context in Middle Eastern sustainability research. Practically, the findings suggest that manufacturing firms should align HR practices with innovation strategies to strengthen environmental, economic, and social performance.