Catalyzing green change: The impact of tech‐savvy leaders on innovative behaviors

Abstract Global corporations face a significant challenge in addressing the lack of green innovation. Thus, this study develops a conceptual model to unveil the role of leader competencies in “smart technology, artificial intelligence, robotics, algorithms” (STARA) in promoting employees' green innovative behaviors. The study strives to analyze the mediating effect of green crafting behavior on the impact of leader STARA competencies on green innovative behavior. Additionally, the study tests the moderating roles of STARA awareness and employee promotion focus on the relationship between leader STARA competencies and green crafting behavior. Data were collected from 319 employees to test the proposed conceptual model using structural equation modeling. Findings reveal that leader STARA competencies drive employee green innovative behavior through green crafting behavior. Furthermore, STARA awareness and employee promotion focus moderate the influence of leader STARA competencies on green crafting behavior. Our research develops practical implications to improve leaders' STARA competencies, which could impact employees' green innovative behaviors.