Exploring the influence of organizational practices and values on green environmental behavior in the health sector

Purpose This study aims to explore the impact of green incentives, goals, fairness and inclusive leadership on green environmental behavior (GEB) among employees in the governmental and healthcare sectors. Additionally, the moderating role of individual green values is examined. Design/methodology/approach A cross-sectional design was utilized to gather data from healthcare employees. The study employed statistical analyses to assess the influence of green incentives, goals, fairness and inclusive leadership on GEB and the moderating effect of individual green values. Findings The results indicate that green incentives, goals, fairness and inclusive leadership significantly predict GEB. Furthermore, individual green values enhance the effects of fairness and inclusive leadership on GEB. Research limitations/implications The study is limited by its cross-sectional design and reliance on self-reported data from a specific sector, which may restrict the generalizability of the findings. Future research should explore these relationships using longitudinal data and in different organizational contexts. Practical implications The findings highlight the importance of aligning organizational strategies – such as incentives, goal setting, fair practices and leadership – with employees’ environmental values to promote sustainable practices effectively. Social implications Promoting green behavior in public healthcare settings contributes to environmental sustainability and public health. Organizational practices that embed fairness and inclusion while recognizing individual values can drive systemic change toward sustainable operations. Encouraging employee participation in green initiatives may foster wider societal shifts in environmental responsibility, particularly in resource-intensive sectors like healthcare. Originality/value This study provides new insights into how organizational factors, alongside individual green values, drive environmentally friendly behavior in the workplace, particularly in the public sector. It emphasizes the moderating role of individual values in shaping the impact of leadership and fairness on GEB.