Linking Employee Green Behaviour and Organizational Effectiveness for Sustainable Development: A Conceptual Review of Public Sector Institutions in Sub-Saharan Africa

This conceptual piece examines how Employee Green Behaviour (EGB), Green Human Resource Management (GHRM), and their combined effect on organizational efficiency contribute to achieving Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) within the public sector in developing nations (especially sub-Saharan Africa). It uses concepts from the Resource-Based View (RBV), Institutional Theory, and Social Exchange Theories, and proposes an integrated conceptual model demonstrating the relationship between GHRM (including green recruitment, training, and reward policies) as antecedents for EGB by improving employees' pro-environmental motivation, increasing their competence in EGB, and then enhancing the effectiveness of the organization and contributing to achieving the SDGs. The roles of GHRM and EGB are positively affected by government effectiveness, which serves as a moderator by fostering an enabling environment for policies and institutions. Recent literature reviews (2020-2025) show that EGB improves operational performance and efficiency, supports innovative approaches, and adds value and legitimacy to the public's view of government. In sub-Saharan Africa, many barriers exist that prevent the development of these strategies, including a lack of institutional support, high levels of poverty, and the influence of socio-cultural factors. Ultimately, the authors are calling for empirical verification of the concepts underlying their proposed models and will also identify specific strategic management and policy interventions to promote sustainable behaviours among public sector organisations. Overall, the review indicates that when GHRM is integrated into an organization's strategic plan, there is a positive relationship with the success of poverty alleviation efforts through Green Inclusive Employment, Skills Development, and Shared Economic Growth.