Goa Institute of Management Study Links Sustainable Hiring to Environmental Responsibility

GOA : A recent study conducted by faculty members at the Goa Institute of Management (GIM) reveals that sustainable hiring practices, purpose-driven onboarding, and value-based employee socialisation play a crucial role in shaping employees into committed advocates of environmental responsibility within organisations.

The research underscores that sustainability initiatives are significantly more effective when employees are actively engaged participants rather than passive followers of organisational policies.

Introducing the Concept of the ‘Green Citizen’

While sustainability discussions often focus on policies, regulations, and corporate strategies, the GIM study explores a less examined yet critical dimension—the role of employees as ‘green citizens’. A green citizen is defined as an employee whose identity, values, and everyday actions reflect a strong, self-driven commitment to sustainability that extends beyond formal job responsibilities.

The study highlights how voluntary, self-initiated actions by employees—shaped by organisational culture and identity—contribute meaningfully to long-term sustainability goals.

Research Leadership and Publication

The study was led by Prof. Rahul Sukumaran, Assistant Professor, Department of Organisational Behaviour and Human Resources, Goa Institute of Management, in collaboration with Prof. Shaju Meetna from LEAD College of Management. The findings have been published in the International Journal of Organizational Analysis, a reputed global academic journal.

Key Insights from the Study

The research identifies several critical factors influencing environmental responsibility within organisations:

• Recruiting employees whose personal values align with sustainability goals strengthens authentic green practices.
• Sustainability-focused onboarding and socialisation processes enhance long-term environmental commitment.
• Green citizens voluntarily participate in sustainability initiatives, going beyond regulatory compliance.
• Employees aligned with organisational sustainability values adopt green thinking in everyday decision-making.

Expert Perspective

Commenting on the findings, Prof. Rahul Sukumaran stated,

“Paradoxically, green citizenship begins with the individual and paves the way for sustainable management practices that enable organisational growth.”

Practical Implications for Organisations

The employee-centric approach makes this research particularly relevant for organisational leaders, HR professionals, higher-education institutions, and sustainability practitioners. The study connects sustainability theory with daily workplace behaviour through the frameworks of newcomer socialisation, person–organisation fit, and organisational identification.

By embedding sustainability into recruitment processes and organisational culture, institutions can enhance employee engagement, innovation, job satisfaction, and environmental performance simultaneously.

A Call for Cultural Integration of Sustainability

The research encourages organisations to integrate sustainability into their core organisational identity, rather than treating it as an add-on policy. This approach empowers employees to take ownership of sustainable practices, leading to lasting and meaningful environmental impact.