Does green transformational leadership lead to green innovation? The role of green thinking and creative process engagement

Abstract This study aims to provide an understanding of the role of green transformational leadership (GTL) and green innovation practices in organizations through cognitive processes: green thinking and creative process engagement (CPE). Using a survey questionnaire, we collected data from 342 respondents from high‐tech industries located in China. The data were examined through structural equation modeling (variance‐based) to analyze the hypotheses. The findings of the study show that GTL has a substantial effect on green thinking, CPE, and green innovation. The findings further reveal that green thinking and CPE mediate the relationship between GTL and green innovation. Green thinking and creative processes have become instrumental tools in fostering green innovation. Thus, this investigation provides novel insights into how to promote GTL and cognitive processes in organizations to solicit green innovation.