Role of Artificial Intelligence in Green Human Resource Management: An Integrated Framework for Sustainable People Management

Abstract

This paper examines the rapidly developing relationship between Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Green Human Resource Management (GHRM). As organizations pursue environmental objectives while digitizing their HR systems, AI is increasingly being considered for recruitment, learning, performance assessment, employee engagement and workforce analytics. The paper argues that the sustainability contribution of AI cannot be inferred from automation alone. A critical review of foundational GHRM scholarship and recent AI-HRM, AI-GHRM and Green-AI research is used to identify the principal applications, benefits, risks and unresolved questions. The review indicates that AI can make green HR practices more targeted, continuous and evidence-informed, but outcomes depend on employee digital capability, green organizational climate and responsible governance. The paper therefore proposes an integrated framework in which AI capability strengthens GHRM practices; digital literacy, green climate and responsible AI governance influence implementation; employee green behaviour provides the behavioural pathway; and environmental and organizational sustainability form the principal outcomes. The review also highlights the environmental cost of AI itself, requiring organizations to consider both the benefits of AI-enabled sustainability and the footprint of the technology used. Eighteen recent studies are critically compared, revealing gaps in measurement, causal evidence, Indian-context research, responsible-AI integration and objective environmental indicators. Nine propositions are offered for future empirical testing.