Performance measurement systems, environmental satisfaction, and green work engagement

Abstract

The aim of this article was to analyze the effects of the (diagnostic, interactive, and combined) use of performance measurement systems (PMS) on environmental satisfaction and the reflections of that on employees’ green work engagement. Studies on management control systems (MCS) and environmental results have prioritized organizational variables, such as sustainable/environmental development. Efforts directed toward MCS to foster employees’ green behaviors are limited. There is also a call for studies that indicate the interdependence of controls associated with performance, innovation, or other variables in which the environmental context is less contemplated. Employees’ engagement is fundamental for organizations to achieve a higher sustainability level. Hence, the study explores employees’ perceptions about how the organization investigated uses one management control (PMS) to promote the congruence of organizational and individual objectives within the context of environmental sustainability. The literature is concerned about understanding the role of MCS in green behaviors and results. Most of the studies focus on organizational results such as performance, with little evidence for employees’ satisfaction or engagement. Similarly, there is a growing demand to explore MCS interdependence for contexts that go beyond innovation or performance. A single entity survey was conducted in a private Brazilian company from the electric power generation sector, resulting in a sample of 101 employees. For the data analysis, partial least squares structural equation modeling and fuzzy-set qualitative comparative analysis were used. The (diagnostic, interactive, and combined) use of PMS positively influences environmental satisfaction and that supports green work engagement. Environmental satisfaction promotes full mediations between the (diagnostic and interactive) use of PMS and green work engagement. Various combinations of conditions lead to high environmental satisfaction and to high green work engagement.