Sustainability leadership and employee sustainability behaviour: the parallel mediating effects of sustainability orientation and employee engagement, Dr Upasana Dhanda, Dr Priya Chaudhary, Dr Simple Arora
Dr Upasana Dhanda*
International Management Institute, New Delhi
India
Dr Priya Chaudhary
International Management Institute, New Delhi
India
Dr Simple Arora
University of Delhi, New Delhi
India
DOI: 10.47556/B.OUTLOOK2024.22.14
RECEIVED: 10 June 2024 / REVISED: 3 July 2024 / ACCEPTED: 16 July 2024 / PUBLISHED: 30 October 2024
Abstract
PURPOSE: This paper explores the relationship between sustainability leadership (SL) and employee sustainability behaviour (SB) with parallel mediating effects of sustainability orientation (SO) and employee engagement (EE).
DESIGN/METHODOLOGY/APPROACH: Based on sustaincentrism theory, the model is tested using structural equation modelling and mediation analysis, with a sample of 347 employees from sustainable companies in India.
FINDINGS: The findings suggest a positive relationship between SL and SB. It forwards the role of EE and SO as parallel mediators in affecting the relationship between SL and SB.
ORIGINALITY/VALUE OF THE PAPER: This is the first study to examine the role of sustainability leadership on sustainability behaviours via sustainability orientation and employee engagement as parallel mediators.
LIMITATIONS OF THE STUDY: The study’s limitations include the use of cross-sectional data, which restricts causal inference between SL and SB, and the reliance on self-reported behaviour measures, which may introduce bias.
PRACTICAL IMPLICATIONS: The paper provides practical insights for organisations aiming to achieve sustainability through employee behaviour, addressing both theoretical and practical calls to understand employees’ role in corporate sustainability.
KEYWORDS: Corporate Sustainability; Sustainability Leadership; Employee Engagement; Employee Sustainability Behaviour; Sustainability Orientation; Sustaincentrism Theory.
CITATION: Dhanda, U., Chaudhary, P. and Arora, S. (2024): Sustainability Leadership and Employee Sustainability Behaviour: The Parallel Mediating Effects of Sustainability Orientation and Employee Engagement. In Ahmed, A. (Ed.): World Sustainable Development Outlook 2024, Vol. 20, pp.199–215. WASD: London, United Kingdom.
