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Configurational antecedents of employee green behavior: A mixed methods study
Ruhan Zhao1, Lingyan Xu1, Jianguo Du1
1School of Management, Jiangsu University.
Journal of Experimental Psychology. Applied
|June 29, 2026
Summary
Bridging the gap between green policies and employee behavior requires understanding key factors. High employee green behavior is achieved through synergistic combinations of ability, motivation, and opportunity, supported by leadership and a green atmosphere.
Area of Science:
- Organizational Psychology
- Environmental Sustainability
- Behavioral Science
Background:
- Organizations face challenges in achieving sustainable development due to a gap between green policies and employee behavior.
- Employee green behavior is critical for bridging this gap and advancing sustainability goals.
- The ability-motivation-opportunity (AMO) framework provides a foundation for understanding employee behavior.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the factors influencing employee green behavior within organizations.
- To examine the joint associations of green self-efficacy, personal norms, green leadership, and organizational green supportive atmosphere with employee green behavior.
- To identify synergistic patterns that promote high employee green behavior.
Main Methods:
- Integration of partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) and fuzzy-set qualitative comparative analysis (fsQCA).
- Analysis of antecedent conditions including green self-efficacy, personal norms, green leadership, and organizational green supportive atmosphere.
- Examination of configurational pathways to high employee green behavior.
Main Results:
- All examined variables (green self-efficacy, personal norms, green leadership, organizational green supportive atmosphere) show positive associations with employee green behavior.
- Three distinct synergistic patterns were identified for high employee green behavior: ability-opportunity, motivation-opportunity, and comprehensive synergy.
- Specific core conditions were identified for each synergistic pattern, highlighting the interplay of different factors.
Conclusions:
- The study extends the AMO framework to the context of employee green behavior.
- Findings offer practical insights for organizations aiming to foster workplace sustainability.
- Understanding and leveraging these synergistic patterns can enhance the effectiveness of organizational green initiatives.
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