The impact of green transformational leadership on employees’ green innovation behavior: the multilevel chain mediating effect of green empowerment

Purpose This study adopts a multi-level perspective to examine how green transformational leadership (GTL) influences employees’ green innovation behavior (EGIB), with a focus on the mediating roles of green structural empowerment (GSE) and green psychological empowerment (GPE). By combining hierarchical linear model and response surface analysis, the paper reveals the complex mechanisms through which GTL influences EGIB, providing a more comprehensive understanding of the contextual and individual factors that drive green innovation. Design/methodology/approach This survey uses a quantitative methodology to collect data from both employees and leaders. The study uses the hierarchical linear model and response surface analysis method to test hypotheses and evaluate the mediating effects of variables. Findings The results found a significant chain mediating effect of GSE and GPE for strengthening the association between GTL and EGIB. Additionally, GTL is less likely to promote GPE when the level of GTL is aligned with GSE. Also, GSE and GPE are less likely to promote EGIB when they are at the same level. Originality/value This study presents a comprehensive theoretical framework by scientifically conceptualizing GSE and GPE within the context of empowerment theory. Additionally, this research explores the influential multilayered mechanism of GTL on EGIB from the perspective of dual empowerment. Based on the empowerment theory, it also explores how green empowerment stimulates employees’ subjective initiative to engage in green innovative behaviors, highlighting the processes at both group and individual levels.