Fostering sustainability through the Green HRM and green inclusive leadership: the dual mediating role of creative self-efficacy and green skill competency

In recent years, organizations have faced intense stakeholder pressure to implement green business strategies in order to enhance environmental sustainability and social equity. Within the framework of conservation of resource theory and the imperative of sustainable development, this study aims to investigate the impact of green HRM practices, green inclusive leadership (GIL) on sustainable performance through a dual mediation path of green skill competencies (GSC), and green creative self-efficacy (GCSE). Based on the survey questionnaire, data was collected from 362 manufacturing SMEs executives, top and middle-level managers. The study used Smart PLS-SEM for data analysis. The results show that Green HRM and GIL have a significant positive impact on sustainable performance. Furthermore, results emphasize that GCSE and GSC significantly mediate the relationship among HRM practices, GIL, and sustainable performance. Notably, GIL strengthens the impact of Green HRM on sustainable performance. This research provides an enriched understanding of sustainable practices in the context of manufacturing SMEs. It provides actionable insights for industrialists, policymakers, and stakeholders striving to promote sustainable development in manufacturing SMEs.