Green inclusive leadership at the helm: pro-environmental behavior and environmental strategy in steering environmental performance

Purpose This research aims to explore the effect of green inclusive leadership (GIL) on environmental performance (EP). It further investigates the mediating role of pro-environmental behavior (PEB) and the moderating role of environmental strategy (ES) in shaping this association. Design/methodology/approach Data were gathered from 708 employees working in the Chinese manufacturing sector. We used SPSS macro-PROCESS (specifically Model 7) for the empirical analysis. Findings The findings exposed a significant positive effect of GIL on EP. PEB was found to mediate this relationship, and ES significantly moderated the relationship between GIL and PEB. Practical implications The findings of this study provide a better understanding of how organizations can enhance their EP by fostering GIL and promoting PEB among employees. It also emphasizes the importance of incorporating an effective ES to strengthen the influence of green leadership on PEB. Originality/value This research contributes to the growing body of literature on green leadership and EP by revealing the mediating role of PEB and the moderating role of ES. This nuanced understanding could help organizations to implement more effective strategies for environmental sustainability.