Unlocking the potential of green human resource management in Korea: a comprehensive review

This study provides a comprehensive review of the Green Human Resource Management (GHRM) literature, emphasizing recent developments in the Korean business sphere, where sustainability has become increasingly significant. The study also aims to mitigate the limited focus on GHRM in Korea by analysing recent practices and initiatives, as demonstrated through case studies from six major Korean firms. We find that GHRM in Korea serves as a strategic response to intensifying institutional pressures, such as regulatory changes and stakeholder expectations, facilitating firms’ navigation through the complex landscape of Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) management in alignment with societal norms and expectations. In particular, GHRM in Korea is aligned with performance-based HR models, predominantly focusing on enhancing both environmental responsibility and business performance through strategic goal setting and high-powered ESG-linked performance incentives. This integration facilitates the quantitative management of environmental and social impacts, boosting sustainability alongside business performance.