Effects of green talent management and green human resource management on social sustainability: The moderating role of self-leadership

Abstract

This study investigates the effects of green talent management (GTM) and green human resource management (GHRM) on social sustainability, with a particular focus on the moderating role of self-leadership. Grounded in the Resource-Based View (RBV), Ability-Motivation-Opportunity (AMO) theory, and Social Exchange Theory (SET), the research aims to clarify how organizational and individual-level green practices contribute to sustainable social outcomes. Data were collected from managers working in large enterprises using a structured survey method. The results indicate that both GTM and GHRM have significant positive effects on social sustainability. Specifically, GHRM practices enhance employees’ green involvement, motivation, and capabilities, while GTM focuses on identifying, developing, and retaining green talents who can act as sustainability champions within organizations. These mechanisms facilitate improvements in ethical behavior, employee well-being, and inclusive workplace practices, thereby strengthening social sustainability. Furthermore, self-leadership plays a moderating role in the relationship between green capability and social sustainability, such that individuals with higher levels of self-leadership are more likely to proactively apply their green competencies and amplify sustainability outcomes. The study also provides empirical evidence supporting the distinct roles of GTM and GHRM, highlighting that organizational systems alone may be insufficient without individual-level talent development. From a managerial perspective, organizations should not only implement green HR practices but also invest in developing self-leadership capabilities among employees to maximize sustainability performance. Overall, the findings contribute to the growing literature on sustainable human resource management and offer practical implications for organizations aiming to achieve long-term social sustainability.