Unleashing the role of greenwashing in the relationship of environmental sustainability thoughts and environmental performance: exploring the importance of generative leadership

The purpose of this paper is to explore the existing relationships among greenwashing, thoughts on environmental sustainability, environmental performance, and generative leadership. Data from 575 small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) from Saudi Arabia were used to test research hypotheses. By using a questionnaire, the results were derived through random sampling, indicating that the findings could be helpful for future research in this field. This study demonstrates how firms can become more efficient and improve their environmental performance through environment sustainable thoughts. However, greenwashing is expected to negatively influence the relationship of environment sustainable thoughts and environmental performance. Furthermore, the study examines the mediating roles of greenwashing and generative leadership in the relationship between environmental sustainability thoughts and environmental performance. The findings may be helpful for managers who want to run their companies sustainably since they need to understand the role of greenwashing and creative leadership. In fact, generative leadership within an organization increase the likelihood of promoting environmental performance, whereas greenwashing negatively contributes to improving environmental performance. The perspective adopted in this paper is consistent with previous theoretical studies and emphasizes attractive trends in environmental-friendly businesses. Similarly, the research offers insights into the sustainability realm, bridging various factors to provide a broader understanding and in-depth analysis of how greenwashing and generative leadership affect each dimension of sustainability and environmental performance of companies.