The Influence of Knowledge-oriented Leadership on Knowledge Management Strategy and Green Innovation
Year: 2026
Type: article
Study design: Observational Study
Abstract: Leadership influences green innovation, but the degree of its impact depends on the leadership behaviors exhibited during these processes. This study examined how knowledge-oriented leadership, a new leadership style, affects green innovation, emphasizing the mediating roles of a knowledge management strategy that includes knowledge exploitation and exploration. Cross-sectional, time-lagged data were collected from 325 SME managers in Lagos State, Nigeria’s commercial hub. The responses were analyzed using the partial least squares method for hypothesis testing. The results indicate that knowledge-oriented leadership significantly affects green innovation. Knowledge exploitation was significantly related to green innovation, whereas exploration’s impact was insignificant. However, the combined effect of knowledge exploitation and exploration was significantly associated with green innovation. Indirect effects showed that knowledge-oriented leadership influences green innovation through knowledge exploitation and a combined exploitation-exploration approach. The mediating role of knowledge exploration was positive but not statistically significant. The study concludes that knowledge-oriented leadership can dynamically balance knowledge management strategies, with a primary focus on knowledge exploitation to foster green innovation. This research contributes to the leadership and sustainability literature by providing empirical evidence that knowledge-oriented leadership supports a sustainability focus and leverages knowledge management strategies to help SMEs fulfill environmental responsibilities through innovation. The main recommendation is that managers recognize the critical role of knowledge-oriented leadership behaviors in fostering green innovation and participate in leadership development programs to cultivate these behaviors. These programs should also include sustainability-focused training to effectively integrate this leadership approach with green initiatives and practices.
Authors: Uzoma Ononye, Ikechukwu Maduemezia
Institutions: Dennis Osadebay University, Delta State University
Language: English
Subfield: Marketing
Domain: Social Sciences
Open Access status: diamond
OpenAlex ID: W7166707261