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The impact of green human capital of entrepreneur on enterprise green innovation: A study based on the theory of pro-environmental behavior

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  • Meng, Chenyang
  • Shi, Daqian
  • Wang, Bin

Abstract

Enterprises are profit-seeking, but environmental issues arising from business operations also need to be considered. Based on pro-environmental behavior theory and using data from Chinese A-share listed firms and the China Intellectual Property Office, this paper explores the effective ways in which the green element of entrepreneurs can enhance Enterprises’ green innovation from the perspective of human capital. The study finds that reshaping entrepreneurs' behavior is conducive to resolving the incompatibility between profit-seeking and environmental goals of enterprises. The green human capital can motivate entrepreneurs to adopt more pro-environmental behaviors, enhance enterprises’ green innovation capabilities and promote their compliance with environmental policy requirements. The study bridges the insufficient between Upper Echelon Theory and Imprinting Theory, and extends the study of human capital.

Suggested Citation

  • Meng, Chenyang & Shi, Daqian & Wang, Bin, 2023. "The impact of green human capital of entrepreneur on enterprise green innovation: A study based on the theory of pro-environmental behavior," Finance Research Letters, Elsevier, vol. 58(PB).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:finlet:v:58:y:2023:i:pb:s1544612323008255
    DOI: 10.1016/j.frl.2023.104453
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    2. Yuguo Jiang & Enock Mintah Ampaw & Hongxiang Yu & Chenglong Wang, 2025. "Navigating the green spectrum: an inquiry into low-carbon HRM practices and the influence of perceived supervisor support on employee sustainability in China," Environment, Development and Sustainability: A Multidisciplinary Approach to the Theory and Practice of Sustainable Development, Springer, vol. 27(11), pages 26685-26711, November.
    3. Wei, Lihong & Zhang, Xiaosan & Yang, Muhan & Lin, Liming, 2024. "Understanding the relationship between entrepreneur courage quotient and enterprises' sustainable growth," Finance Research Letters, Elsevier, vol. 59(C).
    4. Shi, Daqian & Lu, Shan & Fang, Ziwei, 2024. "The effect of executive green human capital on greenwashing," Research in International Business and Finance, Elsevier, vol. 71(C).
    5. Li, Tongbin & Gao, Juan, 2025. "Social security contributions, labor income share, and corporate innovation," Finance Research Letters, Elsevier, vol. 77(C).
    6. Liao, Zhaoguang & Xiao, Luan, 2025. "Government environmental regulation, media attention, and corporate green innovation," International Review of Economics & Finance, Elsevier, vol. 97(C).
    7. Zhang, Zhenhua & Deng, Haowen & Yan, Mengxin & Feng, Chao & Sun, Huaping, 2025. "The collaborative effect of green finance policy on pollution and carbon reduction: A quasi-experimental design," International Review of Economics & Finance, Elsevier, vol. 102(C).
    8. Yang Liu & Sameer Kumar & Huiqing Liu & Shun Li & Ziyun Zhou, 2025. "ESG performance, digital transformation, and green innovation," Humanities and Social Sciences Communications, Palgrave Macmillan, vol. 12(1), pages 1-19, December.
    9. Hu, Weixuan & Shi, Shuling, 2025. "CEO green background and enterprise green innovation," International Review of Economics & Finance, Elsevier, vol. 97(C).
    10. Liu, Xiuli & Cui, Jing & Chang, Yukun & Bai, Chunguang & Yue, Xiaohang & Shen, Jun & Shi, Qinqin, 2026. "Facilitating net-zero emissions goals through green finance: Enhancing efficiency in corporate green innovation within a two-stage value chain framework," International Journal of Production Economics, Elsevier, vol. 292(C).
    11. Zhou, Lanxuanjie & Tang, Chenxi & Cao, Yougen, 2025. "Innovative human capital, government support for science and technology policy, and supply chain resilience," Finance Research Letters, Elsevier, vol. 74(C).
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    13. Bin Wang & Jiaxin Liu, 2024. "Impact of Climate Change on Green Technology Innovation—An Examination Based on Microfirm Data," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 16(24), pages 1-25, December.

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