When knowledge management matters: interplay between green human resources and eco-efficiency in the financial service industry

Abstract

Purpose

Drawing on the ability–motivation–opportunity theory applied to the greening of service industries, this paper aims to analyze the extent to which green human resource management plays a role in the adoption of eco-efficiency principles in the financial sector. Environmental knowledge management represents one of the key green human resource management components.

Design/methodology/approach

This study conducted a survey with 178 employees working within one of the largest financial banks in Brazil, which has been investing in eco-efficiency for more than ten years.

Findings

On the basis of structural equation modelling, this study has provided the following findings: Among all factors taken into consideration in this study, only environmental training positively influences eco-efficiency; training may be suffering owing to barriers associated with empowerment and teamwork; the eco-efficiency program of the studied company would get benefits if it provided more autonomy to employees; and finally, the eco-efficiency program of the studied bank could be more effective if connected with green teams.

Originality/value

To date, this is the first work that relates – with empirical evidence from Brazil – GHRM and eco-efficiency in the financial service industry.