Corporate governance and circular supply chains: Synergizing eco-adaptive organizational culture, leadership eco-innovation willingness, and perceived urgency for circularity

In response to escalating environmental constraints and resource pressure, transitioning to a sustainable circular economy is imperative for contemporary enterprises. Circular Supply Chain Management (CSCM) offers a systemic approach to minimise waste and advance regenerative practices. However, the role of Corporate Governance (CGOV) in this transformation remains underexplored, especially in emerging economies. To address this gap, this study develops and empirically tests a framework to examine how CGOV fosters CSCM using data from 381 manufacturing firms in Ghana. Structural equation modelling revealed that CGOV partially influences CSCM through the mediating role of Eco-Adaptive Organizational Culture (EAOC). While Leadership Eco-Innovation Willingness (LECOIN) significantly moderates the CGOV-EAOC relationship, its influence does not extend to impact CSCM outcomes. Importantly, this study identifies the Perceived Urgency for Circularity (PURGENCY) as a critical boundary condition that intensifies the indirect effect of CGOV on CSCM via EAOC when PURGENCY is high. These findings offer a novel theoretical contribution by elucidating the interdependent dynamics of governance, leadership disposition, cultural adaptability, and perceived urgency in enabling circular transition. Practically, this study provides actionable insights for corporate leaders, supply chain strategists, and policymakers seeking to realign governance mechanisms and leadership capabilities to accelerate circular economy implementation by communicating a sense of urgency that can accelerate systemic transitions toward circular economy adoption.