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Ethical leadership, organizational learning, and corporate ESG performance: A moderated mediation model

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: Based on social learning theory and stakeholder theory, this study investigates how ethical leadership influences ESG performance in small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in China. Using survey data from 205 SME leaders, the findings reveal that ethical leadership positively impacts ESG performance, with organizational learning acting as a partial mediator. Internal social capital further enhances this relationship by moderating the direct link between ethical leadership and organizational learning and the indirect effect on ESG performance. These results underscore the importance of ethical leadership and organizational factors in advancing ESG practices, providing valuable insights for corporate leaders and policymakers aiming to promote sustainable development.

Source: International Review of Economics & Finance

DOI: 10.1016/j.iref.2025.103966

Authors: Jin Zhu, Wenyuan Zhi, Yuanhan Fang

Institutions: Shanxi Datong University, Shanxi Vocational University of Engineering Science and Technology, Yonsei University

Language: English

Topic: Corporate Social Responsibility Reporting

Subfield: Strategy and Management

Field: Business, Management and Accounting

Domain: Social Sciences

SDG: Decent work and economic growth

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $1,930