Page 85 - Azerbaijan State University of Economics

Rasheed Olawale Azeez: Effects of Employees’ Climate Change Attitudinal Responses and
Action Orientation on Resource Efficiency and Eco-Friendly Practices in Manufacturing Firms

INTRODUCTION
The manufacturing sector plays a pivotal role in global economic development, yet, it
is also one of the most significant contributors to environmental degradation,
particularly through greenhouse gas emissions and resource depletion. The urgency
to mitigate climate change has prompted many manufacturing firms around the world,
and Nigeria in particular, to start adopting resource efficiency and eco-friendly
practices (Sanni, 2018; Abatan et al., 2024). However, the success of these initiatives
often hinges not only on technological advancements and regulatory compliance but
also on the attitudes and actions of employees within these organizations. Employees’
attitudinal responses to climate change, encompassing their beliefs, perceptions, and
emotional reactions, are crucial determinants of how effectively they engage in and
support sustainability initiatives (Ababneh, 2021; Norton et al., 2017). Positive
attitudinal responses can promote a culture of environmental stewardship, where
employees are more likely to participate in eco-friendly practices and advocate for
resource efficiency measures. Conversely, negative attitudes or apathy towards
climate change might hinder the implementation of sustainable practices, leading to
suboptimal outcomes in terms of resource use and environmental impact.

Action orientation, defined as the degree to which employees are willing and proactive
in implementing and supporting eco-friendly initiatives (Stern, 2000), is another
critical factor. Action-oriented employees not only comply with established green
policies but also innovate and drive new sustainability projects, contributing to a more
resource-efficient and environmentally responsible manufacturing process (Batool et
al., 2024). This proactive behaviour could be driven by various factors (i.e.,
organizational culture, leadership support, and individual values and motivations) that
must be reinforced continuously and positively to be sustained. The interplay between
employees’ climate change attitudes and their action orientation can significantly
affect the overall environmental performance and sustainable practices of
manufacturing firms (Boiral, 2009). Despite the widespread acknowledgment of the
need for sustainable practices in the manufacturing sector, there remains a significant
gap in understanding the role of employees’ attitudes and actions in achieving these
goals. Specifically, the problem lies in the insufficient exploration of how employees’
attitudes and action orientation towards climate change affect resource efficiency and
eco-friendly practices within these manufacturing firms. This gap limits the ability of
organizations to fully leverage their human resources in the fight against
environmental degradation and climate change.

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