Environmentally specific transformational leadership and employee green attitude and behavior: An affective events theory perspective

Abstract

PurposeAlthough environmental psychology research acknowledges the strategic role of leadership in shaping employee green outcomes for environmental sustainability, little is known about the role of environmentally specific transformational leadership (ETFL). Drawing on affective events theory (AET) we examined the mediating role of harmonious environmental passion (HEP), and the moderating role of proactive personality (PP), on the relationship between ETFL and employee environmental commitment (ECC) and organizational citizenship behavior towards the environment (OCBE). Design/methodology/approachTime-lagged and multisource survey data were collected from 251 subordinate-supervisor dyads working in manufacturing companies. FindingsThe results indicate that HEP mediates the positive relationship between ETFL and ECC and OCBE. However, the combined effect of ETFL and PP on HEP was not significant. But the indirect effect of ETFL was conditional on levels of PP. Originality/valueOur study provides theoretical and practical insights by investigating the underlying mechanism of HEP in the relationship between ETFL and employee green outcomes. Importantly, our findings illuminate role of proactivity among employees’ personality in these relationships.