Influence of Green Human Resource Competence on Employee Environmental Behavior in Five-Star hotels in Nairobi Metropolitan

Abstract

This study explores how Green Human Resource (HR) competence of environmental knowledge influences employee environmental behavior within five-star hotels in Nairobi Metropolitan, with a focus on the moderating role of hotel environmental policy. Grounded in the Ability-Motivation-Opportunity Theory and the Natural Resource-Based View. The study adopts a post-positivist philosophy, quantitative paradigm, and cross-sectional descriptive design. A sample of 312 employees was drawn from a population of 1,069 using stratified and simple random sampling, yielding 270 valid responses. Data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics, with hypotheses tested using Structural Equation Modelling using AMOS. Findings revealed that green HR competences environmental knowledge significantly and positively influence employee environmental behavior. Although hotel environmental policy moderately weakened the relationship between environmental knowledge and green behavior, its impact was not statistically significant. The study recommends that hotel managers enhance employee green competences through targeted training to foster sustainable work practices and resource conservation. Emphasis should be placed on promoting environmental knowledge to support initiatives like waste reduction and energy-efficient operations. Managers should ensure adequate environmental policies, aimed at advancing employee’s knowledge are designed and implemented. The study concludes green HR competency that is environmental knowledge is inherently valuable for Employee environmental behavior.