Rendering the input of green intellectual capital in achieving TBL efficiencies through business model innovation

Purpose This study aims to evaluate the role of green intellectual capital in achieving triple bottom line (TBL) efficiencies through the lens of business model innovation (BMI) based on the resource-based view, stakeholders and ecological modernization theories. Design/methodology/approach Data were compiled through structured questionnaires-based survey from the top management among the production based small and medium enterprises (SMEs) and analyzed through partial least square structure equation modeling to find results. Findings This study exposed that green structural capital, green relational capital and BMI demonstrate positive impacts on the economics, environmental and social (TBL) efficiencies among the production SMEs. The study uncovered that green human capital has positive impacts on the economic and environmental efficiencies but unexpectedly negative impacts on social efficiencies. The results also revealed that education and experience have positive impacts on TBL efficiencies. Practical implications The findings document exciting implications for practitioners and regulators to initiate more sustainable business strategies for achieving TBL efficiencies. Particularly, prioritizing the green relational and green structural capital are the inclusive strategies to achieve TBL efficiencies. Originality/value Although the world literature has widely investigated GIC, BMI and TBL efficiencies in various settings, this is a comprehensive study in the lens of resource-based view, stakeholders and ecological modernization theories.