The curious case of green human resource management practices in the Ghanaian manufacturing industry; a reality or a mirage?

Abstract

Purpose

Based on the legitimacy theory, this study sought to explore specific Green Human Resource Management Practices implemented by manufacturing firms in Ghana.

Design/methodology/approach

The study purposively sourced data from five manufacturing firms operating in Ghana, specifically, Cocoa Processing Company, Dannex Aryton Starwin PLC, Fan Milk Limited, Guinness Ghana Breweries Limited and Unilever Ghana PLC. The qualitative data from 10 interviewees were thematically analysed.

Findings

Pervasively, it was evident that Ghanaian manufacturing firms have integrated environmental concerns into their human resource management functions, hence they place more emphasis on online tools and platforms in attracting, selecting, involving, training, paying and managing the performance of employees. Lastly, manufacturing firms operating in Ghana give priority to online job applications ahead of manual applications.

Practical implications

In an era of sustainability, green human resource management practices provide a basis for the legitimation and sustenance of businesses through enhanced environmental performance and its resultant corporate image.

Originality/value

The study highlights the extent to which green human resource management is practised in a Sub-Saharan African country and the specific practices adopted in promoting the concept.

Citation

Suleman, A.-R., Amponsah-Tawiah, K., Adu, I.N. and Boakye, K.O. (2022), "The curious case of green human resource management practices in the Ghanaian manufacturing industry; a reality or a mirage?", Management of Environmental Quality, Vol. 33 No. 3, pp. 739-755. https://doi.org/10.1108/MEQ-12-2021-0269