Green servant leadership and environmental performance: the mediating effect of green human capital management practices and green intellectual capital

Purpose This paper aims to explore the connections between green servant leadership (GSL), green human capital management (G-HCM) practices, green intellectual capital (GIC) and the environmental performance (EVP) of firms. Specifically, the mediating effect of G-HCM practices between GSL and GIC relationship, as well as the mediating effect of GIC on the G-HCM and EVP relationships were investigated. Design/methodology/approach Data were collected through a cross-sectional survey questionnaire from 203 rural banks in Indonesian banking sector. The study used partial least squares structural equation modeling to test the hypotheses. Findings The findings indicate that G-HCM practices act as a mediator between GSL and GIC. Furthermore, the research highlights that G-HCM practices, via its impact on GIC, indirectly influences EVP. The results confirm that all direct and indirect effects hypothesized in the study were supported. Research limitations/implications Findings are limited to rural banks; cross-industry samples are encouraged in future studies. Practical implications GSL and G-HCM practices must be enhanced by managers to improve GIC and EVP. Social implications The findings promote sustainable banking practices that contribute to environmental protection and ecological responsibility. Originality/value The study makes a meaningful contribution to advancing current theories by suggesting that the connection between G-HCM practices and environment performance is not solely determined by the additive effects of GSL and GIC nor by their interactive effects, but a combination of both.