The quest for sustainability – green transformational leadership towards green performance: a time-lagged study – symmetric and asymmetric analysis

PurposeDrawing upon the natural resource-based view (NRBV), the present study explores the role of green dynamic capability (GDC) as a mediating variable in the relationship between green transformational leadership (GTL) and green innovation (GI) in the hotel industry. The research further assesses green performance (GP) as a resultant factor of GI.Design/methodology/approachThe research was conducted in Italian luxury hotels to assess the efficacy of our conceptual framework among workers in the hospitality industry. The study utilized a three-wave, two-week time-lagged design (N = 303). In addition, the study also intends to apply partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) and fuzzy qualitative comparative analysis (fsQCA) to have distinctive discernment into model rapport.FindingsThe results of the study indicate the linkage between GTL and GI. Furthermore, the study also found the partial mediation of GDC. The results show numerous combinations using fsQCA that can be utilized to increase GP.Originality/valueThere is little empirical evidence to study GTL and GI in hospitality studies. This work empirically investigates GTL, GDC and GI relationships to fill a knowledge gap. It also explains undiscovered factors and provides causal recipes to improve GP using fsQCA.