Ecocentric leadership and voluntary environmental behavior for promoting sustainability strategy: The role of psychological green climate

Abstract

AbstractSustainability is not just a “buzzword” but refers to the ideal business strategy for encouraging sustainable behavior for remaining relevant and competitive. Managers of organizations are increasingly expected to duly consider and demonstrate the desired social and environmental intentions of translating leadership strategies into sustainable practices. Studies on employees' voluntary environmental behavior (VEB) are increasing in number, in that it is believed that behavior can contribute to achieving organizational sustainability strategy. However, despite the studies being published on this emerging field, leadership is a missing link regarding the psychological mechanism through which VEB can be defined and refined. Drawing on the theories of social learning and social exchange, this study seeks to establish the impact of ecocentric leadership (EL) on VEB and the mediating role of psychological green climate (PGC) in this nexus. Data were collected from wide‐ranging business organizations in Bangladesh through a self‐administered survey questionnaire. The results indicate that EL wields a significant direct influence on VEB. Moreover, EL through the mediating effect of PGC indirectly shapes VEB. The study contributes original insights to the discussions and debates on strategic leadership and climate accountability. Implications of ecocentric strategic leadership and recommendations for future research are discussed.