SUSTAINABLE HUMAN RELATIONS MANAGEMENT: ENHANCING WORKPLACE ETHICS AND EMPLOYEE ENGAGEMENT IN A GLOBALIZED ERA

Abstract

Sustainable Human Resource Management (SHRM) is widely acknowledged for fostering enduring organizational success; however, its global connections to workplace ethics and employee engagement remain underexplored. This study examines the relationship between SHRM practices and employee engagement, and the influence of workplace ethics on this relationship. Drawing on stakeholder and social exchange theories, the research demonstrates that an ethical workplace climate underpins SHRM practices, including human capital development, employee well-being, work-life balance, and ethical leadership, thereby enhancing employee engagement. A cross-sectional survey of employees from selected private organizations in Rivers State was conducted to analyze these relationships. The results reveal a significant positive correlation between SHRM practices and employee engagement and further suggest that ethical behavior shapes this association. The findings show that ethical conduct enhances employee engagement and that sustainability-oriented HRM practices can leverage ethics to improve organizational outcomes. This study contributes to the sustainable HRM literature by providing empirical evidence from Rivers State and offering practical recommendations for business owners, policymakers, and organizations seeking to implement ethically sustainable HR practices that foster engagement and resilience.