Understanding the Antecedents and Consequences of Green Human Capital

Abstract

Green human capital (GHC) is regarded as one of the primary attributes individuals need to develop in the era of environmental degradation. Many existing studies indicate that it is probably an important indicator of employees’ satisfaction in the workplace. Thus, based on trait theory and ability–motivation–opportunity theory, the current study examines the antecedents and outcomes of GHC among 630 employees from the manufacturing and service companies in Guangdong Province. The research employs Big Five personality and green training as the predictors of GHC, and job satisfaction as the outcome variable. Partial least squares structural equation modeling is used to analyze the data. The findings show that, in Big Five personality domains, only agreeableness and openness have a positive as well as significant impact on the individuals’ GHC, and that green training also has a positive influence on the GHC. GHC has a positive impact on the employees’ job satisfaction. The research findings and managerial implications are then discussed in detail.