Journal Article

·2025

Employee Green Values and Greenwashing: Mediating Role of Person-Organization Fit

Halit Keski̇n YTU , Ekrem Tatoğlu , Ali E. Akgün YTU , Emel Esen YTU , Esin Salt YTU

Academy of Management Proceedings

Abstract

This study investigates the intricate relationship between employees' green values and their perceptions of greenwashing in corporate social responsibility (CSR)-oriented organizations. Specifically, it examines the mediating role of person-organization (P-O) fit in this dynamic. Adopting a rigorous mixed-methods research design, the study integrates quantitative data from a survey of 326 private sector employees in Turkey with qualitative content analysis of sustainability reports from 36 companies listed in the BIST Sustainability Index (BIST SI). The findings reveal a significant positive association between employees’ green values and their perceptions of greenwashing, with P-O fit emerging as a crucial mediating mechanism. By elucidating how value congruence within organizations influences employee responses to greenwashing practices, this study advances theoretical understanding and provides actionable insights for CSR-oriented firms seeking to enhance their credibility and alignment with employee values. These findings emphasize the importance of fostering a strong person-organization fit to mitigate greenwashing concerns and strengthen organizational trust.

Keywords

Greenwashing Credibility Sustainability Corporate social responsibility Perception Value (mathematics) Private sector Congruence (geometry) Survey data collection Business Marketing

Subject Areas

Environmental Sustainability in Business ·Marketing ·Social Sciences
Corporate Social Responsibility Reporting ·Strategy and Management ·Social Sciences
Sustainability in Higher Education ·Education ·Social Sciences