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Leading by example: understanding the trickle-down effect of voluntary green behavior in the workplace

Jincen Xiao (Xihua University, Chengdu, China)
Yan Yan (Shanghai Dianji University, Shanghai, China)
Baifan Li (Chengdu Normal University, Chengdu, China)
Shuang Liu (Hebei University of Economics and Business, Shijiazhuang, China)

Journal of Managerial Psychology

ISSN: 0268-3946

Article publication date: 17 April 2024

Issue publication date: 6 June 2024

399

Abstract

Purpose

Drawing on the framework of the trickle-down effect and social learning theory, this study aims to examine how and when leaders' voluntary green behavior (VGB) stimulates that of employees.

Design/methodology/approach

This study conducted a time-lagged multisource field survey. The final sample consisted of 417 employees matched to 67 leaders. The unconflated multilevel modeling (MLM) approach was employed.

Findings

A social learning mechanism underlies the trickle-down effect of leaders' VGB, which involves observation and imitation. The green role model influence serves as a mediator of these two processes. Moreover, leader-member exchange (LMX) moderates the strength of the social learning mechanism.

Practical implications

Leaders can gain useful insights of how to promote employees' VGB and are further inspired to reflect on the managerial philosophy of leading by example.

Originality/value

This study contributes to workplace green behavior literature by examining the trickle-down effect of leader VGB and uncovering a social learning mechanism. This study also offers promising directions for leadership research concerning about role modeling.

Keywords

Acknowledgements

Funding: This study was funded by Sichuan Primary and Secondary School Safety Education and Management Research Center, Key Research Base for Humanities and Social Sciences in Colleges and Universities in Sichuan Province (Grant No. ZXXAQ22-01).

Citation

Xiao, J., Yan, Y., Li, B. and Liu, S. (2024), "Leading by example: understanding the trickle-down effect of voluntary green behavior in the workplace", Journal of Managerial Psychology, Vol. 39 No. 5, pp. 613-627. https://doi.org/10.1108/JMP-04-2022-0192

Publisher

:

Emerald Publishing Limited

Copyright © 2024, Emerald Publishing Limited

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