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Green supply chain practices and leadership factors shaping sustainable entrepreneurship and business advantage through evolving sustainable attitudes

Author

Listed:
  • Mengna Zhang

    (School of Management, Guizhou University
    Guizhou University of Finance and Economics)

  • Atif Aziz

    (Iqra University)

  • Amena Sibghatullah

    (Universiti Teknologi MARA, UiTM)

  • Vasila Yarashova

    (Tashkent State University of Economics)

Abstract

Although sustainable entrepreneurship is considered a worldwide priority, its execution hinges on adopting eco-conscious corporate strategies. Given the heightened focus, the nexus between green supply chain practices, green leadership, and sustainable entrepreneurship is yet to be thoroughly investigated, specifically in emerging nations such as China. Bridging this gap, the present study explores how green supply chain practices paired with green leadership drive sustainable entrepreneurship with business advantage as a mediator and sustainability attitudes as a moderator. The study’s conceptual model is tested on a sample of publicly listed Chinese companies from an employee perspective. The PLS-SEM methodology reveals that green supply chain practices and leadership substantially improve business advantage, which consequently functions as a pivotal force, accelerating sustainable entrepreneurship efforts. In addition, a sustainability attitude serves as a transformative moderating path, stressing the significance of a proactive sustainability mentality within organizations. Strategic pathways are decoded, through which eco-centric leadership and environmentally responsible supply chain practices refine a firm’s competitiveness, leading to sustainable entrepreneurship. In light of the findings, the study offers actionable insights for corporate leadership, suggesting the necessity of leadership principles and eco-conscious policies to enhance environmental and economic resilience in the long term.

Suggested Citation

  • Mengna Zhang & Atif Aziz & Amena Sibghatullah & Vasila Yarashova, 2025. "Green supply chain practices and leadership factors shaping sustainable entrepreneurship and business advantage through evolving sustainable attitudes," International Entrepreneurship and Management Journal, Springer, vol. 21(1), pages 1-21, December.
  • Handle: RePEc:spr:intemj:v:21:y:2025:i:1:d:10.1007_s11365-025-01126-0
    DOI: 10.1007/s11365-025-01126-0
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