Title: Mechanisms used by chemical manufacturing firms to promote green skills among employees: a case study in Malaysia

Authors: J.S. Keshminder; Chuah Soo Cheng

Addresses: Department of Economics and Financial Studies, Faculty of Business and Management, University Teknologi MARA, Puncak Alam Campus, 42300 Selangor, Malaysia ' Department of Economics and Financial Studies, Faculty of Business and Management, University Teknologi MARA, Puncak Alam Campus, 42300 Selangor, Malaysia

Abstract: Threats imposed by climate change have raised the demand for green skills. Firms that provide green skills to their employees are touted to respond quickly to green policies and develop the capabilities to implement superior strategies to mitigate climate change. This study seeks to explore the mechanisms used by manufacturing firms to promote green skills among their employees. A case study approach using semi-structured interviews was deployed to explore these mechanisms in six large chemical manufacturing firms. The results indicate that collective effort, self-realisation and continuous awareness were the three main mechanisms used by firms to promote green skills among their employees. Firms actively engage employees from every level of management together to upgrade their skills. Pay raise and promotion are used as an incentive by firms to encourage the employees to obtain green skills. This study proposes a green skills development mechanism for policy makers and managers to nurture and invigorate green skills among employees.

Keywords: green skills; green economy; environment; sustainability; green jobs.

DOI: 10.1504/IJESD.2020.106658

International Journal of Environment and Sustainable Development, 2020 Vol.19 No.2, pp.138 - 152

Received: 11 Jun 2019
Accepted: 27 Jun 2019

Published online: 16 Apr 2020 *

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