Achieving employee green performance through green transformational leadership: a multilevel study of chemical organizations

Purpose This study intends to explore whether green transformational leadership is effective in promoting employee green performance. What role do moral reflectiveness and green crafting play in the impact of green transformational leadership on employee green performance? Design/methodology/approach This study collected research data from a series of questionnaire surveys using a multisource and time-lagged design. We collected 582 completed questionnaires from 97 groups in chemical firms. Findings The analysis showed that (1) green transformational leadership positively affected employee green performance and (2) moral reflectiveness and green crafting sequentially mediated the relationship between green transformational leadership and employees’ green performance. Originality/value The 2-1-1 multilevel mediation model clarified how the perspectives of leaders and employees are associated, confirming that green transformational leadership successfully promotes the green performance of subordinates through value communication and resource provision. Chemical companies need green transformational leaders passionate about environmental issues to encourage employee engagement in sustainability initiatives, ultimately enhancing employees’ green performance and achieving sustainable development of the chemical organization.