A Model of Green Management Success in Iron and Steel Enterprises in China

Abstract

The study aimed to address the following objectives: 1) to identify and explore the primary factors influencing the functioning of green management practices within China’s iron and steel enterprises; 2) to assess the connection between green transformational leadership and employees’ pro-environmental behavior; 3) to examine whether green self-efficacy and green organizational culture acted as mediators within that relationship. A mixed-methods approach was used to guide the investigation. On the quantitative side, 600 structured questionnaires were distributed to employees across the sector. The qualitative portion consisted of interviews of twelve individuals, eight from companies (including senior leaders, managers, and production staff), two from regulatory bodies or industry associations, and two experts in sustainability. Data were examined using descriptive statistical tools, including frequency, mean, and standard deviation, as well as confirmatory factor analysis and structural equation modeling, to assess the relationships and test for mediation.

The findings revealed a strong correlation between green transformational leadership and employees’ environmentally conscious behavior. Leaders who modeled green values appeared to shape both individual confidence in environmental actions and the broader organizational culture. These two elements, self-efficacy and culture, also played a mediating role, helping to explain how leadership translated into greener behavior across teams. Altogether, the results highlight how leadership influences sustainable outcomes and why organizations in the sector may benefit from strategies that integrate both cultural and individual drivers of change.

Keywords: green management success, green transformational leadership, green self-efficacy, green organizational culture, employee green behavior

6319200009 Li Wujun, 2568 (2025). Advisor: ดร.กานต์จิรา ลิมศิริธง – Dr. Karnjira Limsiritong, ดุษฎีนิพนธ์ (Dissertation), A Model of Green Management Success in Iron and Steel Enterprises in China, ตีพิมพ์ในวารสาร (Journal Name), Journal of Educational Innovation and Research, ปริญญาเอก (Doctorate Degree), บัณฑิตวิทยาลัย (Graduate School), ปรัชญาดุษฎีบัณฑิต สาขาวิชาการจัดการ – Doctor of Philosophy Program in Management, ปร.ด. การจัดการ – Ph.D. in Management, Siam University, Bangkok, Thailand – มหาวิทยาลัยสยาม กรุงเทพมหานคร ประเทศไทย