Driving green behaviors in U.S. hotels: insights from green HRM and leadership dynamics

This study investigates how green human resource management (HRM) fosters pro-environmental behavior (PEB) and green voice behavior (GVB) among U.S. hotel employees, using social cognitive theory to explore the roles of green inclusive leadership (GIL), green work engagement (GWE), and green organizational climate (GOC). Distinct from the largely Asian-centric hospitality research, this work pioneers an examination of green HRM in the U.S. context. Data from 432 hotel employees, collected via a two-phase online survey and analyzed with partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM), reveal that green HRM enhances GIL and GWE, mediating PEB, while only GWE mediates GVB. A GOC strengthens PEB but not voice outcomes, highlighting distinct behavioral drivers. These findings refine the application of social cognitive theory in a Western hospitality context, underscoring cultural nuances and offering practical strategies for hotels to align employee actions with sustainability goals.