Employee green values and perceived greenwashing: The mediating role of person-organization fit in CSR-oriented companies

Abstract

This study investigates the relationship between employees' green values and their perceptions of greenwashing in CSR-oriented organizations, emphasizing the mediating role of person-organization (P-O) fit. Utilizing a mixed-methods research approach, it combines quantitative survey data from 326 private-sector employees in Turkey with qualitative content analysis of sustainability reports from 36 firms listed on the BIST Sustainability Index (BIST SI). The results demonstrate that employees with stronger green values are more sensitive to corporate greenwashing practices. In addition, the findings reveal that P-O fit significantly mediates this relationship, highlighting the importance of value congruence in shaping employees' evaluations of corporate environmental claims. By illustrating how organizational alignment with employee values influences perceptions of authenticity and accountability, this study contributes theoretically to the understanding of internal stakeholder dynamics in sustainability contexts. These findings emphasize the importance of fostering a strong person-organization fit to mitigate greenwashing concerns and strengthen organizational trust.