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Green Behavior in the Workplace: The Role of Authentic Leadership and Psychological Capital in Shaping Environmental Citizenship in the Sri Lankan Public Sector

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  • Subramaniam Sri Ramalu

Abstract

This study investigates both the direct and mediated influences of authentic leadership on organizational citizenship behaviour toward the environment (OCBE), with psychological capital serving as an intervening mechanism. Using a quantitative approach, data were gathered from 396 frontline employees across six public sector institutions in Sri Lanka through a survey questionnaire. The findings reveal that psychological capital plays a partial mediating role in the association between authentic leadership and OCBE. This indicates that authentic leadership affects OCBE not only directly but also indirectly by fostering employees’ psychological capital. The observed relationships highlight the pivotal role of authentic leadership in enhancing positive psychological resources and promoting environmentally responsible discretionary behaviours among employees. The proposed research framework offers practical insights for senior management in Sri Lankan public sector organizations, particularly in the development of leadership initiatives aimed at cultivating authentic leaders who can encourage environmental sustainability through employees’ OCBE.

Suggested Citation

  • Subramaniam Sri Ramalu, 2026. "Green Behavior in the Workplace: The Role of Authentic Leadership and Psychological Capital in Shaping Environmental Citizenship in the Sri Lankan Public Sector," Information Management and Business Review, AMH International, vol. 18(1), pages 40-52.
    • Handle: RePEc:rnd:arimbr:v:18:y:2026:i:1:p:40-52
    DOI: 10.22610/imbr.v18i1(j).4813
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    4. Armstrong, John H., 2019. "Modeling effective local government climate policies that exceed state targets," Energy Policy, Elsevier, vol. 132(C), pages 15-26.
    5. Orhan Akisik & Graham Gal, 2017. "The impact of corporate social responsibility and internal controls on stakeholders’ view of the firm and financial performance," Sustainability Accounting, Management and Policy Journal, Emerald Group Publishing Limited, vol. 8(3), pages 246-280, July.
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