“Developing sustainable behaviors: the influence of leadership in fostering pro-environmental behaviors in the textile manufacturing sector: a mediation-moderated model”

Purpose This study aims to examine the relationship between spiritual leadership (SL) and managers’ pro-environmental behaviors (PEBs) with the mechanism of perceived environmental responsibility (PER) and the buffering role of perceived organizational environmental support (POES), based on the social identity and organizational support theory. Design/methodology/approach Survey data were analyzed using structural equation modeling, with data gathered through a two-stage sampling approach and a two-time lag design from 269 managers in the textile manufacturing sector. Findings The research results demonstrate that SL and PER significantly predict managers’ PEBs. A positive relationship was found between SL and PER. PER was identified as a significant explanatory mechanism between SL and PEBs. However, POES did not moderate the relationship between PER and PEBs. Research limitations/implications The findings of this study suggest that organizations, policymakers and research practitioners should focus on enhancing managers’ PER and PEBs to realize a sustainable nation. The theoretical and practical implications and potential future directions are discussed. Originality/value This research manuscript supports that SL and PER positively relate to managers’ PEBs, and PER mediates the relationship between SL and PEBs. It also finds that POES does not play a buffering role in the relationship between PER and PEBs. This study presents novel insights into the interplay of SL, PER and POES on PEBs in the context of Pakistan’s textile manufacturing industry.