Green transformational leadership and green innovation in megaprojects: is green knowledge sharing a missing link?

Abstract

PurposeGreen innovation (GI) in megaprojects has become a significant research topic that attracts both megaproject management scholars' and practitioners' attention. Green transformational leadership (GTL) is acknowledged as an important antecedent to GI in the permanent context. However, limited research investigates the mechanism and condition of how GTL effectively affects GI in the temporary (i.e. megaproject) context. This study seeks to examine the mechanism and condition of GTL in improving GI by assessing the mediating role of green knowledge sharing (GKS) and the moderating effect of innovation climate (IC).Design/methodology/approachRegression analysis was performed on data obtained from 303 experts who have been involved in megaprojects.FindingsGTL has a significant positive impact on two aspects of GI, including green product innovation (GPDI) and green process innovation (GPCI). Besides, GKS mediates the relationship between GTL and the two aspects of GI. Moreover, IC plays a significantly positive moderating role in the relationship between GTL and GKS and the relationship between GKS and the two aspects of GI.Originality/valueThis study adds knowledge to the theory and practice by unveiling the “black box” between GTL and GI in the temporary (i.e. megaproject) context. First, this study extends the continuing discussion on the direct effect of GTL on GI to the temporary (i.e. megaproject) context. Second, this study facilitates the understanding of the mechanism to generate better GI performance considering the mediating role of GKS and the moderating effect of IC in the temporary (i.e. megaproject) context. The results can illuminate megaproject practitioners on generating better GI performance.