Decoding the multilevel impact of responsible leadership on employee green knowledge sharing: the role of green knowledge sharing self-efficacy and green shared vision

Purpose This study aims to examine the multilevel impact of responsible leadership on employee green knowledge sharing. From the perspective of social cognitive theory, the study develops a hierarchical framework decoding how responsible leadership affects employee green knowledge sharing, with particular attention to the roles of green shared vision and green knowledge sharing self-efficacy within this relationship. Design/methodology/approach This study collected two waves of data and surveyed 379 valid responses from 96 teams in China. Regression analysis, bootstrapping and multilevel linear analysis were adopted to test the hypotheses. Findings Responsible leadership is positively related to employee green knowledge sharing. Furthermore, green shared vision and green knowledge sharing self-efficacy mediate the relationship between responsible leadership and employee green knowledge sharing, respectively. In addition, green shared vision serves as a positive moderator in the connection between green knowledge sharing self-efficacy and employee green knowledge sharing. Originality/value This study extends current theoretical understanding by delineating the mechanism and condition under which responsible leadership promotes employee green knowledge sharing through the perspective of social cognitive theory. Likewise, this study emphasizes the critical role of responsible leadership in promoting green knowledge sharing within organizations.