Driving Sustainable Development Through CSR Leadership: Insights Into Organizational Learning and Technological Innovation

Abstract

Corporate social responsibility (CSR) leadership is increasingly recognized as a critical enabler of sustainable development, particularly within the context of organizational transformation. By fostering organizational learning and leveraging technological innovation, CSR leadership facilitates sustainable development outcomes (SDOs). This study examines the multifaceted role of CSR leadership in advancing SDOs, emphasizing the mediating influence of organizational green learning (OGL) and the moderating role of green technological adoption (GTA). Grounded in stakeholder theory and organizational learning theory, the research employs a time-lagged survey design involving 417 employees from diverse sectors within Chinese manufacturing firms. The findings underscore that CSR leadership significantly enhances OGL by cultivating resource integration and environmental adaptability, which are pivotal in achieving SDOs. Furthermore, GTA is shown to amplify the positive relationship between OGL and SDOs, underscoring the necessity of technological readiness in embedding sustainability within organizational strategies. This study addresses key gaps in the literature by offering a comprehensive framework that links CSR leadership with green learning and technological innovation, providing both theoretical contributions and actionable insights. The findings have practical implications for managers and policymakers, particularly in resource-intensive and innovation-driven industries seeking to balance sustainability with economic objectives.