The link between socially responsible human resource management and eco-helping behavior in aviation industry - a moderated mediation model

PurposeThis study aims to propose a research model that emphasizes the moderating influence of ethical leadership (ELS) and the link between socially responsible human resource management (SRHRM) and leaders' eco-helping behavior (LEH) in the aviation industry.Design/methodology/approachThe authors used a time-lag research design. Data were gathered from 397 respondents working for aviation companies in Vietnam and analyzed using SmartPLS 4.0.FindingsThe findings show that SRHRM has a beneficial effect on LEH through employees' voluntary workplace green behavior (EVB). Based on social cognitive theory, this study developed a theoretical model of how SRHRM influences LEH through EVB. The authors discovered that SRHRM increased LEH and that EVB mediated this favorable relationship. Furthermore, the results demonstrate that ELS mitigates the indirect impact of SRHRM on LEH via EVB.Research limitations/implicationsFuture studies should assess constructs with numerous observations across time, with a larger sample size and in different industrial settings.Practical implicationsVolunteerism is one of the most important values in the aviation industry given that it is vulnerable to practices such as overbooking, delaying, postponing flights and pressure weather.Originality/valueThis study emphasized the impact of SRHRM and ELS on LEH while fulfilling their professional obligations. EVB may be best positioned to mediate the relationship between SRHRM and LEH.