Impact of transformational leadership on green learning and green innovation in construction supply chains

Abstract

PurposeThis study aims to examine the impact of transformational leadership on green innovation and green learning in construction supply chains.Design/methodology/approachA theoretical framework of research hypotheses between transformational leadership, green learning and green innovation is developed. Using a survey questionnaire, data are collected from construction firms in Vietnam. Structural equation modeling is used to test the research hypotheses.FindingsThe results indicate that transformational leadership promotes both green learning and green innovation (i.e. green product innovation and green process innovation) while green learning positively affects green process innovation. Furthermore, it is found that green learning mediates the linkage between transformational leadership and green process innovation.Research limitations/implicationsThis study contributes to the development of leadership research in construction by showing the significance of leadership at the supply chain level.Originality/valueLeadership is regarded as a key factor for most organizations' success and competitive advantages. In construction, leadership has been widely studied at the project and organizational levels while its important role is also explored at the supply chain level. Nevertheless, in terms of construction supply chains, there has been still very limited evidence about the effects of transformational leadership. Thus, this study fills the gap in knowledge by empirically examining the relationships between transformational leadership, green learning and green innovation.