The impact of green participative leadership on pro-environmental behavior: mediating role of green self-efficacy and moderating role of environmental awareness

Abstract

Purpose

This study aims to explore the influence of green participative leadership on hotel employees’ pro-environmental behavior. Additionally, we seek to analyze the mediating role of green self-efficacy in this relationship while examining how environmental awareness moderates the connection between green participative leadership and green self-efficacy.

Design/methodology/approach

In this study, we distributed questionnaires to 546 employees working in the Chinese hotel industry. We used partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) to analyze the data and test the hypothesized relationships in our model.

Findings

The present study shows that green participative leadership positively influences employees’ pro-environmental behavior, with this relationship being partially mediated by green self-efficacy. Furthermore, environmental awareness significantly moderates the connection between green participative leadership and green self-efficacy.

Practical implications

The findings of this study offer valuable insights for hotel industry managers and policymakers in developing effective strategies for fostering a sustainable work environment. By embracing green participative leadership, hotels can inspire and engage employees to adopt environmentally friendly practices, ultimately contributing to the hotel’s overall sustainability.

Originality/value

This research expands the existing literature by proposing an integrative model that connects green participative leadership, green self-efficacy, environmental awareness and pro-environmental behavior. As a pioneering study within the Chinese hotel industry, it offers unique contextual insights that can help advance environmental sustainability in this sector.

Citation

Lili, Z. and Rafiq, M. (2024), "The impact of green participative leadership on pro-environmental behavior: mediating role of green self-efficacy and moderating role of environmental awareness", Journal of Hospitality and Tourism Insights, Vol. ahead-of-print No. ahead-of-print. https://doi.org/10.1108/JHTI-06-2024-0537