Environmental servant leadership and green innovation: the mediating role of corporate environmental ethics

Abstract This study investigates the influence of environmental servant leadership on green innovation, emphasizing the mediating role of corporate environmental ethics. As global industries increasingly prioritize sustainability, understanding leadership's role in fostering environmentally responsible innovation becomes essential. Data were collected from 448 employees working in the oil, gas, and petrochemical industries in Saudi Arabia, sectors known for their environmental impact and evolving sustainability practices. The study employs structural equation modeling (SEM) using AMOS 24 software to analyze the hypothesized relationships. The findings reveal a significant positive relationship between environmental servant leadership and corporate environmental ethics, highlighting the critical role leadership plays in shaping ethical environmental practices within organizations. Furthermore, the results demonstrate that corporate environmental ethics significantly enhance green innovation, suggesting that fostering a strong ethical culture can drive sustainable innovation. The mediating analysis confirms that corporate environmental ethics partially mediate the relationship between environmental servant leadership and green innovation, underscoring the importance of ethical frameworks in translating leadership efforts into innovative outcomes. This study provides valuable insights for industry leaders, policymakers, and environmental strategists by showcasing how leadership and ethical practices can jointly promote sustainable innovation.