Inclusive stakeholder engagement for intergenerational equity: the moderating and mediating roles of climate capacities

Purpose There are significant concerns about climate change adaptation issues in the construction industry; therefore, inclusive stakeholder engagement (ISE) is needed to strengthen equitable climate policies that reflect the interests of both current and future generations. Furthermore, the role of climate capacities in climate adaptation is often underexplored. Despite their importance, empirical research on these themes in the United Arab Emirates' (UAE's) construction sector is scarce. The study aims to provide evidence on a set of relationships between ISE, climate capacities and intergenerational equity (IGE) in an understudied setting. Design/methodology/approach Based on the dynamic capability perspective (DCP) and participatory governance theory (PGT), we build and validate a conceptual model that tests how ISE and climate capacities impact IGE. IBM SPSS was used to perform tests with multiple linear regression on survey data collected from 420 UAE employees. Findings The study finds a direct and positive relationship between ISE, climate capacities and IGE. Moreover, climate capacities negatively moderate the relationship between ISE and IGE, whereas it partially mediates the ISE–IGE relationship. Practical implications The research addresses the UAE's call for sustainable and resilient infrastructure by harmonizing with its national goals such as the UAE Vision 2021, the Dubai 2030 Urban Master Plan and the Clean Energy Strategy 2050. Managers should emphasize inclusive engagement strategies that consider the diverse needs of current and future generations while enhancing the capacities necessary for effective climate action. Originality/value This article is the first to offer an empirical insight into the links between ISE, climate capabilities and IGE. This dual-theory (i.e. DCP and PGT) approach is novel and relevant in climate adaptation research.