A moderated mediation model linking entrepreneurial leadership to green innovation: An upper echelons theory perspective

Abstract

Despite the dominant discourses on the important role of entrepreneurial leadership in firms' development, related theoretical and empirical studies are still lacking in the environmental management area. Adopting upper echelons theory, this study develops a moderated mediation model that examines how entrepreneurial leadership affects the adoption of green innovation (GI) through organizational learning culture and how environmental dynamism moderates the mediating effect. This theoretical model is tested using a sample of 248 Chinese firms. Findings support the positive impact of entrepreneurial leadership on GI and the mediating role of organizational learning culture. The moderated mediation path analysis shows that environmental dynamism moderates the indirect effect of entrepreneurial leadership on GI via organizational learning culture. Overall, this study adds to entrepreneurship and environmental management scholarship by providing novel insights into the key role of entrepreneurial leadership in embracing GI.

Environmental scanning, cross‐functional coordination and the adoption of green strategies: An information processing perspective

“…'Green' refers to the development of products, processes, and services aimed at minimal environmental impact through reducing emissions, recycling waste, using clean energy and using less harmful materials (Ali, Jiang, Ali, & Qadeer, 2023b;Delmas, Hoffmann, & Kuss, 2011;Yu, Lo, & Li, 2017). A growing body of scholarship suggests that such green initiatives are effective in addressing the burgeoning environmental crisis and dealing with pressures from various firm stakeholders (e.g.…”

“…Social awareness of environmental issues and escalating market competition have compelled firms to adopt green strategies and sustainable development initiatives (Huang & Li, 2017; Tatoglu et al, 2020; Ushie, Jiang, Ali, Nwoba, & Hossain, 2023; Xie, Huo, Qi, & Zhu, 2016). ‘Green’ refers to the development of products, processes, and services aimed at minimal environmental impact through reducing emissions, recycling waste, using clean energy and using less harmful materials (Ali, Jiang, Ali, & Qadeer, 2023b; Delmas, Hoffmann, & Kuss, 2011; Yu, Lo, & Li, 2017). A growing body of scholarship suggests that such green initiatives are effective in addressing the burgeoning environmental crisis and dealing with pressures from various firm stakeholders (e.g.…”

Does state participation promote or damage green innovation?

“…To eliminate mounting environmental and energy problems, the state relies on various policy instruments such as regulations, charges and grants to promote, facilitate or require firms to adopt more sustainable strategies such as green innovation (Ali, Jiang, Ali, 2023; Wang et al, 2018; Xue & Swan, 2023; Yahya et al, 2021; Yu et al, 2023). Green innovation is the generation or improvement of new products, processes and services in an effort to minimize environmental harm and achieve sustainable development (Ali, Jiang, Ali, 2023; Berrone et al, 2013; Huang & Li, 2017). Firms that are pioneers of green innovation gain first‐mover advantages, enabling them to charge higher premium prices for their green products and services, develop new markets and improve corporate reputation and image (Chen et al, 2006; Du et al, 2018).…”