How green human resource management and institutional pressure drive performance via green image: the equifinal paths and their performance outcomes

Abstract

Although the enablers of green image have been studied extensively, most prior studies have focused on the net effects of individual factors. In addition, the existing literature overlooks how green image is shaped by different paths and the impact of these paths on different performance. From the configurational perspective, we identify how the configurations of green human resource management (GHRM) depend on perceived institutional pressure to shape a favorable green image. Using data from 317 Chinese manufacturers, we conduct fuzzy set qualitative comparative analysis and propensity score matching analysis to explore the configurations that achieve a favorable or unfavorable green image and whether a favorable green image formed by different configurations improves firm performance. The results reveal five equifinal paths of GHRM that depend on perceived institutional pressure and can enhance green image and three that can shape an unfavorable green image. We also find that favorable green images shaped by distinct configurations have different effects on firm performance. This research enriches the literature on green image and provides novel insights for enhancing green image and subsequent firm performance.