How does green empowering leadership promote environmental performance? Unfolding the roles of green intrinsic motivation and green innovative work behavior

Abstract

Our study set out to investigate the linkage between green empowering leadership (GEL) and environmental performance (EnP) via the sequential mediation pathways of green intrinsic motivation and green innovative work behavior. We gathered data from 437 frontline hotel staff in the United Arab Emirates utilizing an online survey. The partial least squares structural equation modeling was performed for the assessment of hypotheses. All the hypotheses were supported, and the model we proposed was viable. Specifically, GEL enhanced EnP. Green intrinsic motivation and green innovative work behavior mediated the nexus between GEL and EnP in a serial manner. Our study augments the current literature appertaining to the consequences of GEL and the underlying mechanisms linking GEL to EnP. It also augments the green management knowledge base regarding the antecedents of EnP.