Abstract
This study investigates the complex interrelationships among sustainable transformational leadership (STL), psychological capital (PSY), social capital (SOC), and sustainable innovation ambidexterity (SIA) within China’s manufacturing sector. Drawing upon social capital theory and positive organizational behavior frameworks, the research developed and empirically tested a comprehensive model examining direct and mediating relationships among these constructs. Data were collected from 520 employees across various hierarchical levels in Chinese manufacturing organizations. Utilizing partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM), the findings reveal that STL is significantly associated with SIA, SOC, and PSY. Furthermore, SOC significantly predicts both PSY and SIA, while PSY is significantly associated with SIA. The study contributes to existing literature by holistically understanding how leadership practices foster sustainable innovation capabilities through social and psychological mechanisms. The findings provide valuable insights for manufacturing organizations seeking to enhance their sustainable innovation capabilities while maintaining operational efficiency in an increasingly sustainability-focused business environment.
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This research received funding from the following sources. 2025 High level Talent Research and Cultivation Project of Chengdu Medical College (KYPY25-09), Research on the Development Path of Health and Health New Quality Productivity in Sichuan Province (24RKX01), and Network Ideological and Political Education Research Center of Chengdu Medical College (WYZX202302).
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YT: Conceptualization, Methodology, Formal Analysis, Writing—original draft, Writing—review & editing; LH: Conceptualization, Methodology, Formal Analysis, Writing—original draft, Writing—review & editing; LZ: Conceptualization, Methodology, Formal Analysis, Writing—original draft, Writing—review & editing.
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Committee: School of Marxism, Chengdu Medical College Approval Number: CMC250321003 Date: March 21, 2025. This document mainly describes the research topic of Yaun Tang, Lingling Huang, and Li Zou, entitled “An understanding of sustainable transformational leadership and sustainable innovation ambidexterity: the mediating roles of social and psychological capital.” It is not for minors, pregnant women, people with physical or mental disabilities, or people with spiritual disabilities. In addition, the following description of this research case is exempt from the ethics review committee review due to one of the following circumstances: 1. There is no invasive method for collecting the required data in this study. 2. This study adhered to ethical guidelines and principles, ensuring the protection of participants’ rights and confidentiality throughout the research process. 3. The written consent form provided detailed information about the study’s objectives, procedures, potential risks, and participants’ rights, allowing them to make an informed decision about their participation.
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Tang, Y., Huang, L. & Zou, L. An understanding of sustainable transformational leadership and innovation ambidexterity: the mediating roles of social and psychological capital. Humanit Soc Sci Commun (2026). https://doi.org/10.1057/s41599-026-07062-w
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1057/s41599-026-07062-w
