Decoding Green Leadership: A Comprehensive Review of Global Research Trends

Abstract

The growing urgency to address global environmental challenges has catalyzed an increasing focus on green leadership, a leadership approach that integrates sustainability principles into organizational decision-making. This study conducts a comprehensive bibliometric analysis of green leadership research from 1947 to 2024, aiming to map its evolution, key themes, and influential contributions. Analyzing 494 publications, the study identifies a consistent annual growth rate of 4.55%, with a significant surge in research output from 2020 to 2024. China emerged as the most prolific contributor, with other significant contributions from countries such as Australia, the USA, and emerging economies. The analysis highlights key journals, including the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health and Frontiers in Psychology, which have been central to the dissemination of green leadership research. Highly cited publications by authors such as Singh SK and Chen Y have provided foundational frameworks that continue to influence the field. The study also explores the most prominent topics within the literature, such as commerce, sustainable development, and environmental policy, reflecting the practical and strategic importance of green leadership across various sectors. The use of surveys and questionnaires as a common methodological approach emphasizes the empirical nature of the research, focusing on leadership behaviors and their impact on sustainability outcomes. The findings from this analysis provide a comprehensive overview of the development and current state of green leadership research, offering insights into the global distribution of knowledge production and the interdisciplinary nature of the field. The study concludes by identifying emerging trends and areas for future research, highlighting the critical role of green leadership in addressing environmental challenges and advancing sustainable development. These insights are valuable for both academics and practitioners, guiding future research and the application of green leadership principles in organizations worldwide.

Purpose: This study aims to provide a comprehensive overview of global research trends in green leadership, focusing on its evolution, key themes, and influential contributions from 1947 to 2024 to map out the development of green leadership research and identify emerging trends and areas for future exploration.

Methodology/approach: The research utilizes a bibliometric analysis. Tools such as R Studio and dimensions database were used to analyze publication growth, country contributions, key journals, influential authors, and prominent research topics.

Results/findings: The study reveals a steady annual growth rate of 4.55% in green leadership research, with a notable surge in publications from 2020 to 2024. Prominent topics include sustainable development, environmental policy, and commerce, reflecting the wide-ranging impact of green leadership across sectors.