Corporate social responsibility, green human resource management, green innovation, and sustainable performance through bibliometric and systematic review

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Authors: It Nguyen Van, Nguyen Hai Quang, Ninh Thi Bich Thuy
Cited by: 3
References: 77

Abstract

The relationship between Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR), Green Human Resource Management (GHRM), Green Innovation (GI), and Sustainable Performance (SP) remains fragmented, even as firms increasingly align economic goals with environmental responsibilities. Existing research mainly examines bilateral links, limiting understanding of how green governance systems create organizational value. This literature review explains how CSR and GHRM influence green innovation and sustainable performance. The study applies a Bibliometric and Systematic Literature Review to 158 Scopus-indexed peer-reviewed articles published between 2017 and 2025. Bibliometric mapping identifies publication trends, leading sources, and keyword networks, while thematic synthesis summarizes the main research streams. Since 2021, academic output has risen sharply, driven largely by empirical evidence from developing countries such as China and Pakistan, reflecting growing interest in sustainability-oriented management. Sustainability is the most prolific journal in this area, while Technological Forecasting and Social Change has received the most citations. The empirical literature is dominated by Pakistan and other emerging economies, highlighting the relevance of CSR- and GHRM-driven sustainability strategies in developing contexts. Four major clusters emerge: CSR- and GHRM-enabled green innovation; mechanism-based perspectives mediated by green dynamic capabilities; green management and leadership; and institutional and CSR competitiveness drivers. An integrated framework linking antecedents, mechanisms, and outcomes advances future research and practice.

Fields of Study & Subjects

Environmental Sustainability in Business Business and Economic Development Impact of AI and Big Data on Business and Society

Publication details

Journal / source
Cogent Business & Management
Publisher
Informa UK Limited
Volume
13
Issue
1
Publication date
22 April 2026
Language
EN