The mediating role of green knowledge sharing on the relationship between green transformational leadership and green innovation

Purpose This study aims to examine the mediating role of green knowledge sharing on the relationship between green transformational leadership (GTL) and green innovation. Design/methodology/approach A quantitative research design was adopted, with data collected from small to medium enterprises (SME) respondents. The hypothesised relationships were tested using partial least squares-structural equation modelling, which enabled the simultaneous assessment of measurement and structural models, as well as mediation effects. Findings The results of this study indicated that GTL has a significant positive effect on green innovation and green knowledge sharing. Green knowledge sharing also significantly influenced green innovation and partially mediated the relationship between GTL and green innovation. These findings suggest that leadership influences environmental innovation both directly and indirectly through knowledge-based processes. Practical implications The findings of this study highlight the need for organisations to develop leadership capabilities that foster not only environmental commitment but also knowledge-sharing cultures that enable innovation. Originality/value By integrating the Natural Resource-Based View and the Knowledge-Based View, this study provides a process-oriented explanation of how leadership capabilities are translated into environmental innovation outcomes. The findings revealed that green knowledge sharing is a critical mechanism linking GTL and green innovation, thereby addressing the “black box” in prior research. This study also contributes empirical evidence from Zimbabwean manufacturing SMEs, a context that remains underexplored in sustainability research. Overall, this study advances understanding of green innovation as a knowledge-driven organisational capability.