Title: Role of green transformational leadership, knowledge management and green innovation in driving corporate sustainable development

Authors: Fatimah Fazal Abbasi; Qazi Mohammed Ahmed; Muhammad Arsalan Nazir

Addresses: Bahria University, Business School, Islamabad, 44000, Pakistan ' Executive Business Centre, Greenwich Business School, University of Greenwich, London, SE10 9LS, UK ' Executive Business Centre, Greenwich Business School, University of Greenwich, London, SE10 9LS, UK

Abstract: This research study aims to examine the influence of green transformational leadership (GTL) and knowledge management (KM) on corporate sustainable development (CSD), with the mediating role of green innovation (GI). This study employs a quantitative research method by using a self-administered questionnaire. The data was gathered from middle-level managers employed in the textile sector of Pakistan and was analysed through Smart PLS 4. The results revealed that the GTL style and KM practices have a substantial impact on CSD. Furthermore, GI serves as a mediator between KM and CSD, as well as GTL and CSD. These results are particularly valuable for practitioners seeking tangible ways to enhance sustainability within their firms. This study addresses a significant gap in the literature by investigating the role of GI in mediating the GTL-CSD link. The research additionally investigates KM and GTL as catalysts for Green Innovation and CSD, which also remains exploratory.

Keywords: GTL; green transformational leadership; knowledge management; CSD; corporate sustainable development; green innovation; textile sector; Pakistan.

DOI: 10.1504/IJKBD.2025.145478

International Journal of Knowledge-Based Development, 2025 Vol.15 No.1, pp.42 - 67

Received: 23 Jan 2024
Accepted: 22 Sep 2024
Published online: 01 Apr 2025 *

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