Greening the Knowledge Economy: Green Intellectual Capital and Green HRM as Drivers of Competitive Advantage in Educational Institutions

Abstract

Organizations in all industries are now confronted with the urgent issue of environmental sustainability. This research explores how Green Intellectual Capital (GIC) practices foster Green Competitive Advantage (GCA), as the latest ecological perspectives to manage human resources and implement intellectual capital by developing sustainable business perspectives directly related to one another. The cross-sectional data was collected on a sample (n = 470) of males and females of different levels/grades of educational institutes (public and private) using a convenience sample through a structured survey questionnaire. Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM) served as the foundation for the methodological approach, and the empirical findings highlight the significance of Green intellectual capital (Green relational capital, Green structural capital, and Green human capital) for established firms seeking to gain a competitive edge. GHRM acts as a mediator between GIC and GCA. The value of the research was its insights into how eco-responsible behavior affects the competitiveness of a business. The findings from this work provide scholars, practitioners, and policymakers with an understanding of GIC driving sustainable competitive advantages. It also provides a valuable guideline for businesses striving to operate in an environmentally sensitive manner, promoting environmental sustainability while improving overall output.