Employee Green Behavior in Shipping Industry: The Mediating Role of Employee Engagement with Environmental Initiatives and Green Awareness

Abstract

The shipping industry's role in global climate change and pollution raises concerns about environmental risks associated with ship crew behavior. Negligent The shipping industry's role in global climate change and pollution raises concerns about environmental risks associated with ship crew behavior. Negligent actions by crew members in environmental preservation not only led to significant financial losses for companies but also caused irreversible damage to marine ecosystems. Fostering a green mindset among employees is essential, requiring a shift from individual awareness to an organizational value upheld by all, including ship crews. This study examines how green awareness and employee engagement in environmental initiatives impact green behavior among shipping industry crews. A quantitative survey method was employed, gathering responses from 333 crew members and analyzing the data with structural equation modeling (SEM) using SmartPLS software. Findings indicate that green behavior can be enhanced through increased green awareness when coupled with active employee engagement in environmental initiatives. This engagement positively influences the company reputation and contributes to a sustainable competitive advantage in the industry. The study’s outcomes offer valuable insights into shipping industry management to develop effective green human resource management practices, emphasizing the importance of environmental initiatives in shaping employee behavior for sustainable industry practices.