How and when green agile leadership influence on pro-environmental behaviour

Background Green agile leadership (GAL) combines adaptability and environmental commitment to address sustainability challenges. In China resource-intensive healthcare sector, sustainable practices are vital to achieving Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Objective This study investigates the influence of GAL on pro-environmental behavior (PEB), focusing on the mediating role of environmental passion (EP) and the moderating effect of face consciousness (FC). Methods A quantitative research design was employed, utilizing survey data collected from a sample of employees in hospitals. Structural equation modeling (SEM) was used to analyze the data and test the proposed relationships via MPLUS. Results The study findings indicate that GAL has a significant positive impact on PEB. Additionally, EP was identified as a partial mediator in the relationship between GAL and PEB. The moderating effect of FC indicated that employees with higher levels of EP and greater FC in their work environment exhibit enhanced PEB within their organization. Conclusions The originality and value of this research lie in its comprehensive examination of the underlying mechanisms via mediating and moderating factors in the relationship between GAL and PEB. Specifically, this research contributes to the growing body of literature on GAL and PEB by shedding light on the mediating role of EP and the moderating role of FC. This study offers theoretical insights and practical recommendations for health industry to effectively manage PEB through GAL and the cultivation of EP and FC among employees.