Platform leadership and green technological innovative behavior in the knowledge economy: exploring mechanisms and contingencies in the organizations

Abstract

Abstract This study aims to examine the role of platform leadership (PL) as a novel paradigm for leadership in the knowledge economy and its link with employees’ green technological innovative behavior (GTIB). Grounded in diffusion of innovation theory, this study explores how PL shapes employees’ GTIB, examining key mediators and moderators. We conducted two empirical studies in Pakistan’s project-based organizations using complementary cross-sectional and multi-wave designs. These complementary approaches allowed for robust analysis of PL’s influence on GTIB. The results showed that PL is positively related to employees’ GTIB. In addition, this study established innovative climate and organizational learning as mediators of this relationship. Further analysis indicated that environmental dynamism was a significant moderator in influencing the mediating effect of organizational learning on the PL-GTIB association. This study is valuable to leaders in the project management and construction industries because this study points out how PL can drive green technological innovation. Our findings highlight how PL fosters GTIB through organizational learning and an innovative climate, offering valuable insights for leadership and innovation strategies in SMEs.