Unveiling key drivers of green operational efficiency

Rooted in centuries of tradition and closely linked to the local area, the wine industry has enjoyed great social and cultural recognition for centuries. However, in recent times, it has been facing increasing environmental pressures and changing market expectations, forcing wineries to rethink their practices to reduce the negative impact of their activity on the natural environment. In this context, the role of responsible leadership in promoting sustainability has become crucial, considering the current ecological challenges and the increasing pressure on businesses to focus on both environmental and economic outcomes. The main aim of this study is to analyze the impact of responsible leadership on firms' green operational efficiency, both directly and indirectly through the mediating effect of green corporate management and green absorptive capacity. Primary data were obtained from a sample of 207 Spanish wineries, which were analyzed using the partial least squares structural equation modeling technique.

The findings reveal a positive and significant influence of responsible leadership on green operational efficiency, and the mediating effect of the variables green corporate management and green absorptive capacity, based on which relevant theoretical and practical implications are provided, as well as actionable insights for scholars, managers and policymakers striving to embed environmental responsibility at the core of business strategy.

This research underscores the importance of establishing a leadership approach based on respect for the environment and society to drive business sustainability and guide companies towards a more sustainable and competitive future, thus aligning their operations with the sustainability goals set out in the 2030 Agenda. © 2025 The Author(s). Journal of the Science of Food and Agriculture published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry.