Challenges of Adopting and Implementing Green Human Resource Management Practice: The Perspectives of Organisational Culture and Political Commitment in Nigeria

This chapter builds on the understanding of Green Human Resource Management (GHRM) and employee pro-environmental behaviours using the context of Sub-Saharan Africa. Research on GHRM in sub-Saharan Africa, especially Nigeria, has yet to be explored despite rising fears of environmental degradation. Therefore, given the unique economic, political and sociocultural landscape of the country, which is different from that of Western countries, this research explores the factors that constrain the adoption and implementation of GHRM in Nigeria. Adopting a qualitative, interpretive methodology, the study adopts a thematic analysis procedure (TAP) of semi-structured interview data drawn from 47 professionals across the Nigerian services industry to establish their understanding of GHRM in the Nigerian context – as well as their perception regarding the factors that constrain GHRM adoption by organisations in the country. The chapter reveals that a vast majority of organisations in Nigeria lack green GHRM awareness, culture and green capital, which are considered factors for the non-adoption and implementation of GHRM practice, which is associated with poor environmental and organisational sustainability in the country. The situation is worsened by a lack of commitment from the organisations and the relevant government agencies to initiate workable GHRM policies and enforce their compliance. Ultimately, this research is essential for emphasising the United Nations’ green goals for sustainable development