Developing Blueprints for Sustainable Excellence: The Integration of Green Intellectual Capital, Green Transformative Leadership, Entrepreneurial Orientation, and Cost Leadership Strategy

Abstract

The need for sustainability in the hospitality sector is growing more important due to environmental issues and changing customer demands. This research utilized RBV theory to evaluate the role of green transformational leadership, green intellectual capital, entrepreneurial orientation, and cost leadership strategy in achieving sustainability. Accordingly, entrepreneurial orientation was examined as a mediator between green intellectual capital, green transformational leadership (two independent variables) and sustainable performance (dependent variable), whereas, cost leadership strategy was investigated as a moderator on the relationship of entrepreneurial orientation and sustainable performance. Data was collected from 230 senior executives in the hospitality sector, and was analyzed by using SMART PLS 4.0.9.9. The findings indicated that green intellectual capital had a favorable influence on sustainable performance, while the effect of green transformational leadership was found to be insignificant. Additionally, entrepreneurial orientation mediated the link between green intellectual capital and sustainable performance, and also between green transformational leadership and sustainable performance. Moreover, cost leadership strategy positively moderated the link of entrepreneurial orientation and sustainable performance. Finally, the study highlighted significant recommendations for policymakers and for research scholars.