Exploitative leadership and green innovative behavior of hospitality employees: mediation of emotional exhaustion and moderation of perceived organization support

Purpose This study aimed to investigate the relationship between exploitative leadership (EL) and employee green innovative behavior (GIB) in the hospitality sector organizations of Pakistan. The relationship between EL and GIB is mediated by emotional exhaustion (EE). Perceived organizational support (POS) is used as a moderator between EL and EE. Design/methodology/approach The study used convenience and purposive sampling techniques from the population, and the data collected on the structured questionnaire were analyzed through structural equation modeling (SEM) using SmartPLS. The data analysis involved the assessment of the measurement model and structural model. Findings The results of the data analysis show that EL has a significant and negative influence on employee GIB, and EE mediates the relationship, meaning EE caused by EL lowers GIB. The moderating effect of perceived organization support between EL and EE also lowers the effects of EL and diminishes EE leading to increased GIB. Practical implications The findings of the study suggest that organizations in the hospitality sector like hotels and resorts need to focus on the POS to curb EE in employees due to EL to accelerate positive attitudes at work. Investments of resources in this avenue can enhance employee engagement and improve organizational performance while contributing to environmentally sustainable goals. Originality/value The originality of the study lies in the findings that in the presence of higher perceived organization support, the negative effects of EL are mitigated, and this leads to the replenishment of the emotional resources of employees, which allows them to engage in GIBs. GIB is a term that is being researched by the scholars in the hospitality industry of Pakistan. Conservation of natural resources is only possible through individual efforts, especially the efforts of individuals whose livelihoods depend on environmentally related industries, such as hospitality.