Green intellectual capital and competitive advantage: the moderating role of corporate philanthropy during COVID-19

Abstract

PurposeThis study examines the relationship between green intellectual capital (GIC) and competitive advantage (CA) and proposes the moderating role of corporate philanthropy types (cash, in-kind and both) during the COVID-19 pandemic. In particular, this study investigates the types of corporate philanthropy, strengthening the link between GIC and CA for Chinese listed firms during a pandemic.Design/methodology/approachCross-sectional data were collected from 248 chief executive officers (CEOs) of Chinese firms listed on the Shanghai Stock Exchange through a structured questionnaire. Regression analysis was employed to test the proposed hypotheses.FindingsThe findings reveal that all types of GIC positively influence a firm's CA. Furthermore, all three types of philanthropy – cash, in-kind and both – moderate the relationship between GIC and CA. However, the intensity of moderation was higher in the case of in-kind philanthropy than in the other two types.Originality/valueTo the best of the authors' knowledge, this is the first empirical study to examine the relationship between GIC (considering its three components: human, structural and relational capital) and CA in China. The study finds different types of philanthropy as moderating variables to better explain the relationship between GIC and CA. Further, it contributes to a new line of research that aims to study philanthropic aspects connected to the GIC debate.

Green intellectual capital and employee environmental citizenship behavior: the mediating role of organizational agility and green creativity

“…However, achieving this has become very challenging in the twenty-first century. Literature indicates that a firm's competitiveness relies on its capacity to acquire unique and eco-friendly resources (Almansour, 2024;Khan et al, 2024a;Naseem et al, 2024). Given this, connecting GIC with OA can offer useful insights.…”

“…Choudhary and Datta (2023) found that such organizations are more successful in rewarding their workforce for providing creative and unique ideas. Literature indicates that organizations that are well-versed in adapting to environmental uncertainty and support their human resource in exercising their creative faculties are more likely to come up with novel ideas and procedures that support ecological sustainability (Choudhary and Datta, 2024;Khan et al, 2024a;Naseem et al, 2024). EGC may help transform knowledge into creative and sustainable behaviors as a bridge between OA and ECB.…”

“…Within this context, it is essential to acknowledge the significance of sustainable development goals (SDGs), outlined by the United Nations, guiding policies and activities (Mollaoglu et al, 2024). Naseem et al (2024) propose the adoption of green intellectual capital (GIC) as a source of achieving environmental sustainability by organizations.…”

“…OA can offer various opportunities for EGC, which can assist organizations in sustaining long-term competitiveness (Jamal et al, 2024). The dynamic nature of green environmental landscape can pose challenges for organizations possessing OA tendencies as they are required to swiftly produce environmental-friendly products and processes by using their current resources and skills (Asiaei et al, 2022;Naseem et al, 2024;Verma et al, 2023).…”

The effect of green intellectual capital and innovative work behavior on green process innovation performance in the hospitality industry

“…Prior hospitality research also concentrates on pragmatic investigations of GIC in social interaction (Haldorai et al ., 2022), knowledge sharing and GPIP (Bahrami et al ., 2012), reflecting the growing significance of developing and maintaining competitive advantage. GIC contributes favorably to competitive advantage when such an association is connected to its capacity for problem-proof identity and green knowledge sharing (GKS) (Naseem et al ., 2023). By analyzing the function and significance of GIC within the hotel sector in Pakistan, this study seeks to bridge this research gap.…”