Conceptualization of Green Human Resource Management: A Qualitative Study of Malaysian Companies

This paper explores the ways in which a multinational companies in Malaysian electrical and electronic (E&E) manufacturing industry approaches human resource management (HRM) practices that support the implementation of green management initiatives which scholarly termed as Green HRM. This qualitative study analyzed the driving forces that encouraged HRM practices to be implemented that support green management and as well as the similarities and differences of practices among firms. Findings from this study contributes to the conceptual understanding about the nature of Green HRM in Malaysia especially in the E&E manufacturing industry. This study employed a multi-case study with 25 participants from five companies, using semi-structured interviews and focus groups as a method of data collection. Subsequently, a qualitative data analysis was used to analyze the information gathered. The study found that some of the HRM practices are evidence of proactive environmental management, reflected through a range of operational and people-centred initiatives across these companies. However, only a handful of HRM practices have been used to support the implementation of green management initiatives, at least for E&E in Malaysia specifically in training and part of compensation systems. While there are not clearly identified that other HR practices such as employee recruitment and selection, performance management, and employee development practices are systematically being implemented to support green management.