BLUE HUMAN RESOURCE MANAGEMENT AND ORGANIZATIONAL PERFORMANCE: A CONCEPTUAL FRAMEWORK

Abstract

With the global shift towards sustainability and the rapid evolution of the Blue Economy, human resource management has begun to take on new dimensions, giving rise to the concept of Blue Human Resource Management (Blue HRM). This study delves into a conceptual framework that connects Blue HRM practices with enhanced organizational performance. Blue HRM incorporates sustainable HR strategies—such as environmentally responsible recruitment, capacity development tailored for marine and coastal industries, employee involvement in ecological stewardship, and training for green innovation—into broader organizational objectives. Grounded in strategic human resource management, systems theory, and sustainability perspectives, the framework positions Blue HRM as a catalyst for innovation, resilience, and long-term competitiveness in organizations engaged with or oriented toward the Blue Economy. The paper argues that Blue HRM contributes to organizational performance not only through financial outcomes but also by enhancing ecological responsibility, employee well-being, and corporate reputation. It highlights potential mediating factors such as organizational culture, leadership style, and policy support, while underscoring barriers including limited awareness and weak institutional frameworks in developing economies. By presenting this conceptual model, the study provides scholars, managers, and policymakers with a foundation for integrating HRM practices into sustainable development and for advancing empirical investigations on the role of HRM in the Blue Economy.