Transformational Environmental Leadership and Corporate Social Responsibility as Triggers of Competitive Advantage and Sustainable Performance in Environmentally Certified Companies in Mexico

This research proposes a model to assess the impacts of transformational environmental leadership and corporate social responsibility on sustainable performance with the mediating effect of competitive advantage in environmentally certified companies in Mexico. Based on a literature review, a measurement instrument was created to evaluate the variables in the model. The sample is composed of 150 certified companies from 29 states. We used factor analysis and path analysis for hypothesis testing. We observed that transformational environmental leadership facilitates the internal changes and decision-making necessary to implement corporate social responsibility practices, develop competitive advantages, and improve sustainable performance. We also observed a positive relationship between competitive advantage and sustainable performance. From a transformational environmental leadership perspective, this study is helpful for researchers, industry experts, policymakers, and managers interested in voluntary environmental certifications in emerging economies. The research model implies a way to strengthen companies’ competitive advantage and sustainable performance through transformational environmental leadership and corporate social responsibility.