Environmental Knowledge Nexus: Catalysts for Green Innovation

Abstract

This study investigates the interplay of green human resource management (GHRM) and green transformational leadership (GTL) on environmental behaviors (EBs) and green innovation performance (GIP) among elementary school teachers in Urmia, Iran, with environmental knowledge (EK) as a mediator. Utilizing a descriptive-correlational design, data were collected from 338 teachers across 17 schools during the 2023–2024 academic year using validated questionnaires. Structural equation modeling (SEM) via SmartPLS 3 revealed a significant positive relationship between GHRM and GIP (β = 0.228, p < 0.01), and between GTL and both GIP (β = 0.338, p < 0.01) and EBs (β = 0.516, p < 0.01). However, GHRM showed no direct link with EBs (p = 0.091). EK mediated the relationship between GHRM and EBs (β = 0.247, p < 0.01) and GHRM and GIP (β = 0.162, p < 0.01), but not between GTL and GIP or EBs. These findings underscore the pivotal role of EK in enhancing green practices in educational settings. Recommendations include implementing in-service environmental training, fostering green organizational culture, and enacting policies to promote EBs and GIP. This study fills a research gap by focusing on educational contexts, offering insights for sustainable development in schools.