The curious case of green human resource management practices in the Ghanaian manufacturing industry; a reality or a mirage?

Purpose– Based on the legitimacy theory, this study sought to explore specific Green Human Resource Management Practices implemented by manufacturing firms in Ghana.

Design/methodology/approach– The study purposively sourced data from five manufacturing firms operating in Ghana, specifically, Cocoa Processing Company, Dannex Aryton Starwin PLC, Fan Milk Limited, Guinness Ghana Breweries Limited and Unilever Ghana PLC. The qualitative data from 10 interviewees were thematically analysed.

Findings– Pervasively, it was evident that Ghanaian manufacturing firms have integrated environmental concernsintotheirhumanresourcemanagementfunctions,hencetheyplacemoreemphasisononlinetoolsand platforms in attracting, selecting, involving, training, paying and managing the performance of employees. Lastly, manufacturing firms operating in Ghana give priority to online job applications ahead of manual applications.

Practical implications– In an era of sustainability, green human resource management practices provide a basis for the legitimation and sustenance of businesses through enhanced environmental performance and its resultant corporate image.

Originality/value– The study highlights the extent to which green human resource management is practised in a Sub-Saharan African country and the specific practices adopted in promoting the concept. Keywords Green human resource management practices, Environmental concerns, Manufacturing firms, Sustainability, Thematic analysis