Page 89 - 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

This peer influence can lead to the widespread adoption of resource-efficient
practices, thereby contributing to overall organizational sustainability. Injunctive
norms reinforce eco-friendly practices by highlighting what is considered acceptable
and commendable behaviour within an organization. Suppose the organizational
culture strongly supports and rewards actions such as waste reduction, pollution
control, and the use of renewable resources, employees will feel a stronger obligation
to comply with these expectations (Nolan et al., 2008). This normative pressure can
drive the consistent implementation of eco-friendly practices, fostering an
environment where sustainability is integral to operational processes.

Empirical Review and Hypotheses Development
Extant research has consistently shown that employees’ attitudes toward climate
change significantly impact resource efficiency within organizations. A study by Shah
et al. (2023) revealed that employees with positive environmental attitudes are more
likely to engage in behaviours that enhance resource efficiency, such as reducing
energy consumption, minimizing waste, and optimizing the use of raw materials. This
alignment of personal attitudes with organizational goals can lead to significant
improvements in resource utilization and operational efficiency. Equally, Dienes
(2016) found that environmental attitudes, shaped by awareness and understanding of
climate change, directly influence the adoption of resource-efficient practices.
Employees who perceive climate change as a serious threat and believe in the efficacy
of mitigation strategies are more likely to support and participate in initiatives aimed
at resource conservation. This study highlights the importance of fostering positive
climate change attitudes to drive resource efficiency in manufacturing firms. Another
study by Palmer et al. (2020) emphasized the role of intrinsic motivations, such as
personal values and moral responsibility, in promoting resource-efficient behaviors.
Employees who hold strong pro-environmental values are intrinsically motivated to
act in ways that conserve resources and reduce environmental impact. These intrinsic
motivations often translate into consistent and sustained resource-efficient practices
within organizations, further underscoring the link between attitudes and behavior.
Roscoe et al. (2019) reported that firms with a strong environmental culture, where
positive climate change attitudes are prevalent, exhibit higher levels of resource
efficiency. This cultural alignment facilitates the implementation of best practices in
resource management, leading to reduced waste, lower operational costs, and
improved environmental performance.

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