The Effect of Corporate Greenwashing on Employees’ Environmental Performance: Person–Organization Values Fit Perspective

Abstract

In the present study, we construct a model of greenwashing on employees’ environmental performance based on person–organization fit theory. Path analysis and hierarchical regression methods were used to examine randomly selected data collected from 269 employees in eight Chinese gas service and chemical production companies. The results of the analysis reveal that employees’ perceived person–organization values fit mediates the relationship between organizational greenwashing and employees’ environmental performance; employees’ environmental beliefs not only positively moderate the relationship between corporate greenwashing behavior and employees’ perceived person–organization values fit, but also positively moderate the indirect effect of employees’ perceived person–organization values fit between organizational greenwashing and employees’ environmental performance. We provide some theoretical contributions to organizational greenwashing, and practical implications are also offered.

Eco-green mirage: investigating turnover intention as organizational turbulence through perceived greenwashing, cynicism and alienation

“…Greenwashing is clearly characterized by negative value orientations and implies unethical behavior of the organization. It undermines the credibility of the organization and the employees who hold strong environmental beliefs may experience a crisis of values (Miao et al, 2023). Employees typically identify with the company's values when their own values align with those of the organization (Li et al, 2020).…”

“…Investigating the relationship between employee cynicism and work alienation, as well as employees’ perceptions of greenwashing could provide valuable insights for firms, particularly those in the service industry (Singh and Randhawa, 2022). Exploring the effects of greenwashing on service industry employees is critical because it has a direct influence on employee well-being, service quality, engagement, reputation, turnover rates, sustainability efforts and employee advocacy – all of which contribute to the success and sustainability of service-oriented businesses (Miao et al , 2023).…”

Green Strategies in Action: Assessing Its Impact on Organizational Performance in Context of Green Strategies

“…Within the realm of modern literature, the convergence of green marketing, green leadership, and organizational performance has emerged as a central topic of discussion. Greenwashing refers to the deceptive practice of conveying a false impression or providing misleading information about the environmental practices of a company, product, or service (Miao, Chen, Wang, Das, 2023). There is correlation between green marketing tactics, which place an emphasis on environmentally friendly products, activities, and higher organizational performance.…”