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Unleashing the role of greenwashing in the relationship of environmental sustainability thoughts and environmental performance: exploring the importance of generative leadership

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Abstract

The purpose of this paper is to explore the existing relationships among greenwashing, thoughts on environmental sustainability, environmental performance, and generative leadership. Data from 575 small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) from Saudi Arabia were used to test research hypotheses. By using a questionnaire, the results were derived through random sampling, indicating that the findings could be helpful for future research in this field. This study demonstrates how firms can become more efficient and improve their environmental performance through environment sustainable thoughts. However, greenwashing is expected to negatively influence the relationship of environment sustainable thoughts and environmental performance. Furthermore, the study examines the mediating roles of greenwashing and generative leadership in the relationship between environmental sustainability thoughts and environmental performance. The findings may be helpful for managers who want to run their companies sustainably since they need to understand the role of greenwashing and creative leadership. In fact, generative leadership within an organization increase the likelihood of promoting environmental performance, whereas greenwashing negatively contributes to improving environmental performance. The perspective adopted in this paper is consistent with previous theoretical studies and emphasizes attractive trends in environmental-friendly businesses. Similarly, the research offers insights into the sustainability realm, bridging various factors to provide a broader understanding and in-depth analysis of how greenwashing and generative leadership affect each dimension of sustainability and environmental performance of companies.

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Acknowledgements

We are thankful to all the respondents who participated in the survey.

Funding

This research received no external funding from any national or international agency.

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Government College of Management Sciences, Mansehra, Pakistan

    Zahid Yousaf

  2. Universitas Mercatorum, Rome, Italy

    Maria Palazzo

  3. University of Pitesti, Pitesti, Romania

    Magdalena Radulescu

  4. Institute of Doctoral and Post-Doctoral Studies, University Lucian Blaga of Sibiu, Sibiu, Romania

    Magdalena Radulescu

  5. Department of Management Sciences, Hazara University, Mansehra, Pakistan

    Asad Javed

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  1. Zahid Yousaf
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Correspondence to Magdalena Radulescu.

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Appendix: Questionnaire

Appendix: Questionnaire

Environmental Sustainability Thoughts

  1. 1.

    In my perspective, environmental conservation is crucial.

  2. 2.

    For things that are healthy for the environment, I'm willing to spend more.

  3. 3.

    I try to reduce the amount of water and electricity I use.

  4. 4.

    I'm worried about how global warming will affect the environment.

  5. 5.

    Recycling and material repurposing, in my opinion, are crucial.

  6. 6.

    I think that there is a connection between climate change and human activity.

  7. 7.

    In order to reduce my environmental impact, I'm willing to change my way of life.

Greenwashing

  1. 1.

    Our SME exaggerates the environmental advantages in its ads.

  2. 2.

    The environmental promises made by our SME in its ads are hazy or vague.

  3. 3.

    Our SME’s environmental claims are not adequately disclosed in its ads.

  4. 4.

    Our SME puts an excessive amount of attention on unimportant environmental benefits.

  5. 5.

    Our SME misleads customers by giving the idea that it is environmentally friendly despite the fact that this is not supported by its advertisements.

Environmental performance

  1. 1.

    Our SME complies with environmental laws and norms or goes above and beyond them.

  2. 2.

    Our SME has taken measures to reduce its environmental impact.

  3. 3.

    Our SME keeps a close eye on its environmental performance and reports it.

  4. 4.

    Our SME has a solid reputation for being environmentally responsible.

Generative leadership

  1. 1.

    Our SME encourages team members to contribute to the accomplishment of shared objectives through their original ideas.

  2. 2.

    Our SME gives team members time to reflect and recognize their experiences and insights.

  3. 3.

    Our SME tries to create a supportive workplace where employees can feel supported and empowered.

  4. 4.

    In Our SME, people work in partnership with others to develop original concepts and solutions.

  5. 5.

    Our SME gives team members opportunities to progress professionally.

  6. 6.

    Our SME emphasizes on respect and trust when forming bonds with teammates.

  7. 7.

    In our SME, we encourages critical thought and assumption-checking among team members.

  8. 8.

    Our employees are prepared to take calculated risks in order to achieve important goals.

  9. 9.

    Our employees has a good outlook and a pleasant attitude.

  10. 10.

    Our management and leadership invite feedback and accept useful criticism.

  11. 11.

    We uphold moral standards and social duty.

  12. 12.

    We encourage team members to assume responsibility for their duties and obligations.

  13. 13.

    Our expectations are precisely stated and well communicated.

  14. 14.

    We are willing to make tough choices when necessary.

  15. 15.

    We are flexibility and adaptation to changing situations are displayed.

  16. 16.

    We respect the contributions of every member while celebrating team accomplishments.

  17. 17.

    We enable team members to benefit from their setbacks and mistakes.

  18. 18.

    We develop a clear vision for the team.

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Yousaf, Z., Palazzo, M., Radulescu, M. et al. Unleashing the role of greenwashing in the relationship of environmental sustainability thoughts and environmental performance: exploring the importance of generative leadership. Environ Dev Sustain (2023). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10668-023-03473-w

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