Sustainability-focused leadership and pro-environmental behavior in SMEs: through the lens of conservation of resources theory

Purpose: Based on the conservation of resources theory (COR), we examined how sustainability-focused leadership (SFL) influences pro-environmental innovative behaviors (PEIBs) by exploring employee well-being (EWB) as a mediating mechanism. Thus, the study fills the existing gap in research devoted to the impact of leadership styles on PEIBs. Design/methodology/approach: We used the survey method and collected data from 250 manufacturing SMEs in Poland. We based statistical analyses on PLS-SEM. Findings: This study revealed that SFL significantly influences PEIBs among SMEs’ employees. Moreover, current empirical evidence also confirms the partial mediating impact of EWB on the relationship of SFL with PEIBs. Originality/value: Considering the substantial significance of innovative behaviors, this study enriches literature in the domain of sustainability-focused leadership and green innovation. We also discuss implications for theory and practice in SMEs operating within the manufacturing sector.