The impact of green participative leadership on pro-environmental behavior: mediating role of green self-efficacy and moderating role of environmental awareness

Purpose This study aims to explore the influence of green participative leadership on hotel employees’ pro-environmental behavior. Additionally, we seek to analyze the mediating role of green self-efficacy in this relationship while examining how environmental awareness moderates the connection between green participative leadership and green self-efficacy. Design/methodology/approach In this study, we distributed questionnaires to 546 employees working in the Chinese hotel industry. We used partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) to analyze the data and test the hypothesized relationships in our model. Findings The present study shows that green participative leadership positively influences employees’ pro-environmental behavior, with this relationship being partially mediated by green self-efficacy. Furthermore, environmental awareness significantly moderates the connection between green participative leadership and green self-efficacy. Practical implications The findings of this study offer valuable insights for hotel industry managers and policymakers in developing effective strategies for fostering a sustainable work environment. By embracing green participative leadership, hotels can inspire and engage employees to adopt environmentally friendly practices, ultimately contributing to the hotel’s overall sustainability. Originality/value This research expands the existing literature by proposing an integrative model that connects green participative leadership, green self-efficacy, environmental awareness and pro-environmental behavior. As a pioneering study within the Chinese hotel industry, it offers unique contextual insights that can help advance environmental sustainability in this sector.