Sustainable corporate performance in food industry: the roles of green intellectual capital, green transformation leadership and digital transformation capability

Purpose This study examines the relationships among green transformational leadership (GTL), green corporate social responsibility (GCSR) and sustainable corporate performance (SCP), with green intellectual capital (GIC) as a mediator and digital transformation capability (DTC) as a moderator in food manufacturing sectors, face growing pressure to enhance sustainability performance while responding to environmental regulations and digital transformation. Design/methodology/approach Using quantitative survey data collected from senior and middle managers in manufacturing firms, SCP was assessed through environmental, economic and social dimensions. The study applies partial least squares structural equation modelling to test direct, mediating and moderating relationships among GTL, GCSR, GIC, DTC and SCP. Findings The results indicate that GTL strengthens sustainability-related resources and practices, leading to improved SCP. GCSR positively influences both SCP and the development of GIC, which functions as a key mechanism linking leadership to sustainability outcomes. Furthermore, DTC enhances the positive effect of GCSR on SCP, suggesting that digital capability amplifies the performance impact of environmental responsibility initiatives. Practical implications Managers in food manufacturing firms should promote GTL and integrate GCSR into strategic planning to build GIC. Strengthening DTC can further maximise sustainability performance, particularly in food manufacturing contexts. Originality/value The study integrates GTL and GCSR within a unified framework, identifying GIC as a central mediating mechanism and DTC as a critical boundary condition influencing sustainability performance in manufacturing organisations.