Unpacking the eco-friendly path: exploring organizational green initiatives, green perceived organizational support and employee green behavior

Purpose This study aims to investigate the impact of green perceived organizational support (GPOS) on employee green behavior (EGB), encompassing both task-related and voluntary behaviors. It explores direct and indirect effects through green knowledge sharing (GKS) and green creativity while considering organizational green initiatives across five dimensions as potential antecedents of GPOS. Design/methodology/approach Data were collected using a survey questionnaire distributed to front-line employees working in hotels in Bangladesh. The analysis was conducted using SmartPLS 4.0.9 on responses from 486 participants. Findings The results indicate that all dimensions of organizational green initiatives, except for top management’s environmental concerns, have a positive relationship with GPOS. GPOS positively influences GKS, green creativity and task-related green behaviors, but not voluntary green behaviors. GKS and green creativity mediate the relationship between GPOS and EGB. Practical implications The findings serve as a guide for management to devise effective strategies that encourage employees’ positive engagement with the environment and strengthen their contributions to organizational green initiatives. The research reveals the importance of employees’ green creativity and GKS, enabling organizations to leverage these aspects for sustainable development. Originality/value The research sheds light on the dual pathways through which GPOS influences EGB, distinguishing between task-related and voluntary behaviors, and highlights the mediating roles of GKS and green creativity.