Bridging the Great Divide: Investigating the Potent Synergy between Leadership, Zhong-Yong Philosophy, and Green Innovation in China

Zhong-yong thinking, a typical value orientation and mode of thought in traditional Chinese culture, has garnered significant scholarly attention. Various cross-sectional studies have explored the relationship between thinking innovation; yet, research specifically examining impact on green innovation is scarce. This study adopts upper echelons theory manager cognition to investigate influence entrepreneurs’ while simultaneously considering institutional pressure enterprise ownership types as boundary conditions. By analyzing 302 questionnaire responses, empirical results demonstrate direct positive effect innovation. Moreover, positively moderates State-owned enterprises exhibit more than non-SOEs. Overall, this contributes theoretical management disciplines, particularly literature. Its findings also hold implications for practice enterprises.