The Moderating Role of Ethical Leadership on Nurses' Green Behavior Intentions and Real Green Behavior

Area of Science:

• Environmental Science
• Organizational Behavior
• Healthcare Management

Background:

• Nurses' green behavior is crucial for cost reduction and organizational sustainability.
• Understanding the drivers and enhancers of nurses' green behavior is essential.
• This study addresses the gap in knowledge regarding the link between green behavior intentions and actual behavior, and the moderating role of ethical leadership.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore the relationship between green behavior intentions and green behavior among nurses.
• To analyze the moderating effect of ethical leadership on this relationship.
• To provide insights for enhancing environmentally sustainable practices in healthcare settings.

Main Methods:

• A cross-sectional study was conducted with 489 nurses from three hospitals in China.
• Data were collected using surveys measuring green behavior intentions, green behavior, and ethical leadership.
• Statistical analysis was performed to examine the direct and moderating effects.

Main Results:

• Green behavior intentions significantly predicted nurses' green behavior.
• Ethical leadership significantly moderated the relationship between green behavior intentions and green behavior.
• The positive effect of green behavior intentions on green behavior was stronger under high ethical leadership.

Conclusions:

• Green behavior intentions are a significant predictor of nurses' green behavior.
• Ethical leadership plays a crucial role in strengthening the intention-behavior link for green practices.
• Findings offer valuable insights for academics and practitioners aiming to foster environmental sustainability in healthcare organizations.