Impact of Green Intellectual Capital and Environmental Management Accounting on Sustainable Performance: The Moderating Role of Stakeholder Pressure

Abstract

This study investigates the impact of green intellectual capital—specifically, green relational capital (GRC), green human capital (GHC), and green structural capital (GSC)—on the sustainable performance of firms in Pakistan. It further examines the mediating role of environmental management accounting (EMA) in the relationship between green intellectual capital and sustainable performance, while also exploring stakeholder pressure as a moderator in this relationship. Data were analyzed using Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM) with SmartPLS v.4.0.0 software. The findings reveal that while GHC and GRC show positive but insignificant relationships with sustainable performance, GSC has a significant positive impact. EMA is found to have a significant positive relationship with sustainable performance and serves as a significant mediator between GHC and sustainable performance, as well as between GRC and sustainable performance. However, EMA’s mediating effect on the relationship between GSC, and sustainable performance is insignificant. Additionally, stakeholder pressure significantly moderates the relationship between EMA and sustainable performance. The study offers valuable insights for scholars and industry professionals seeking to enhance sustainability performance and achieve a competitive advantage in the industry.