Impact of Green Environmental Leadership Practices on Employee Pro Environmental Behavior Through Mediating Role of Green Innovation with Moderating Role of Top Management in Hospitality Industry of Pakistan

Abstract

In an era where environmental responsibility is becoming a central concern for the hospitality industry, this study explores how green environmental leadership influences employees’ pro-environmental behavior (PEB) in hotels. It investigates whether this relationship is enhanced through green innovation and whether it is further supported by top management commitment. Using data from employees and managers in Pakistan’s hotel industry, the study employs structural equation modeling to test direct, mediating, and moderating relationships. Findings reveal that leaders who actively promote environmental values significantly inspire employees to adopt green behaviors in their daily work. Green innovation partially mediates this relationship, suggesting that innovation plays a meaningful but not exclusive role in reinforcing environmentally responsible actions. Interestingly, while top management commitment boosts innovation efforts, it does not significantly moderate the direct link between leadership and employee behavior—highlighting the stronger influence of immediate supervisors over distant executives. This research provides both theoretical insights and practical guidance for hospitality leaders aiming to embed sustainability into their organizational culture. It underscores the importance of leadership-driven green innovation and encourages a more active role from top-level executives to amplify long-term environmental goals.