Green Management and Operational Performance: Uncovering The Mediating and Moderating Role of Artificial Intelligence in a Department of Police Establishment.

Abstract

Recently, government and law enforcement organisations have been increasingly pressured to improve operational performance by providing environmental security, justice, and sustainability. The Operational Performance (OP) of the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) of the Sierra Leone Police is challenged by current realities. Green Management (GM), encompassing waste reduction, energy conservation, sustainable procurement, and environmental compliance, has evolved from a corporate priority to an institutional necessity across all sectors. Extant studies have established GM in developed economies; however, there is limited knowledge on how GM and Artificial Intelligence (AI) affect OP specifically in resource-constrained settings such as Sierra Leone. This study, therefore, examined the effect of GM on OP of SLP, with AI considered as both a moderator and mediator. A quantitative, deductive approach was used to survey 196 officers of the CID headquarters. Primary data collected via a well-structured and validated questionnaire was analysed via PLS-SEM Path analysis. The results revealed a significant positive effect of GM on OP (β = 0.299, t = 4.021, p = 0.000). However, the interaction term (GM × AI) showed a significant adverse moderating effect (β = -0.221, t = 2.517, p = 0.012), whereas AI partially mediated the relationship between GM and OP (β = 0.077, t = 2.586, p = 0.010). The study concluded that law enforcement should institutionalise effective GM practices, while strategically integrating AI tools that complement, rather than disrupt, green initiatives. Investment should be made in capacity building and technological literacy to support sustainability and operational performance.