Abstract:
The Human Resources Management Division, as a strategic partner and one of the
important functions in any organisation, can make a significant contribution to ensuring
environmental sustainability in the organisations where they operate. Higher education
institutions with their power and potential to bring awareness, educate, and influence the
nation’s thinking, can provide an invaluable contribution to natural resource
conservation. The aim of the study was to explore how the Human Resources
Management division can contribute to the crucial cause of natural resource
conservation sustainability through the greening of organisations. This was a mixed
method study conducted amongst Human Resource Practitioners in operational and
management levels from three institutions of higher education.
Data were collected using face-to-face interviews and questionnaires. Results indicated
that Human Resources (HR) Practitioners had a limited understanding of the concept
‘Green HRM’. Green HR activities in the institutions were mainly applied in recruitment
and performance management systems where technologically advanced, green and
resource-efficient HR methods were used. Regarding engagement of employees on
greening issues, training, and compensation, results showed that nothing much is being
done in these activities to incorporate ‘Green HRM’ principles in institutions.
There was no established ‘green’ organisational culture in the HR divisions and in
institutions at large. The study recommends that green clauses should be incorporated
into the vision and mission statements of the instititutions as well as in organisational
and HR policies. Management vision and commitment are key in ensuring success of
greening strategies. All employees should be consulted and engaged in every stage of
the greening process to ensure their buy-in and commitment. There should be financial
and human capital investment in green projects to ensure their success. Establishing
partnerships with the private sector is also very important as a source of benchmarking
and sharing of ideas in greening projects
