Blue Economy CSR Initiatives and Employee Environmental Citizenship Behaviour: Examining the Mediating Effects of Employee Ocean Stewardship Passion and Environmental Empathy

Acknowledging the critical role of employee environmental behaviour in advancing organizational sustainability, this study explores the influence of blue economy corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives on fostering employee environmental citizenship behaviours. By examining this relationship, the study highlights the potential of blue economy-driven CSR practices in promoting sustainable organizational development and contributing to environmental stewardship. Through the lens of the stimulus-organism- response (S-O-R) theory, the study investigates the mediating roles of employee ocean stewardship passion and environmental empathy in this relationship. With a quantitative, cross-sectional survey design and convenience sampling, data was gathered from 440 employees in maritime institutions implementing blue economy CSR programmes. The hypothesized mediation model was tested through structural equation modelling (SEM) with SPSS AMOS. The findings highlighted how blue economy CSR initiatives (stimulus) influence employee ocean stewardship passion and environmental empathy (organism), which further drive employee environmental citizenship behaviour (response). According to the study, employees who exhibit a stronger emotional connection to marine ecosystems engage in pro-environmental actions that support the blue economy. This research contributes to the growing body of knowledge on the blue economy, corporate social responsibility (CSR), and employee environmental behaviors, addressing the gaps in understanding the interplay between these concepts. Findings give insights to organizations seeking to foster employee engagement in corporate sustainability efforts. The study also has practical implications for the utilization of blue economy CSR programmes by organizations to cultivate employee passion for ocean stewardship and environmental empathy and encourage their participation in environmentally responsible behaviours that support the sustainable use of marine resources.