Title: Enriching organisational knowledge: identifying the role of social capital and leadership styles in improving sustainable performance

Authors: Xiaoxing Xiong; Thillai Raja Pertheban

Addresses: College of General Education, Fuzhou Polytechnic, Fuzhou, Fujian, 350108, China; Graduate School of Business (GSB), SEGi University, Kota Damansara, Petaling Jaya, Selangor, 47810, Malaysia ' Graduate School of Business (GSB), SEGi University, Kota Damansara, Petaling Jaya, Selangor, 47810, Malaysia

Abstract: Social capital is vital for sustainable performance (e.g., social, environmental, and economic) as it fosters collaboration, trust, and shared values within the communities. However, literature witnessed certain leadership styles (LSs) that perhaps impact organisational sustainable performance (OSP). This study specifically uncovers the nexus between social capital (SC) and OSP using three streams (i.e., social, environmental, and economic) drawing from social exchange theory. Second, how specific leadership styles (e.g., transformational, transactional, servant, democratic, and autocratic leadership style) can moderate the relationships between SC and OSP is another key objective of this study. The study ultimately considered the sample size of 801 as evaluated by SmartPls using structure equation modelling (SEM) technique. The study confirmed a positive association between SC and OSP. The study also contributed to the literature showing a positive moderation of leadership styles SC and OSP. The study provides interesting implications along with future directions for scholars and practitioners worldwide.

Keywords: social capital; leadership styles; organisational performance; social exchange theory; SEM; structure equation modelling.

DOI: 10.1504/IJISCM.2025.146736

International Journal of Information Systems and Change Management, 2025 Vol.15 No.1, pp.37 - 54

Received: 17 Jul 2024
Accepted: 29 Nov 2024
Published online: 16 Jun 2025 *

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