The Influence of Ethical Leadership and Sustainable Leadership on Sustainable Performance: The Moderating Role of Gender

Abstract

: Purpose: To determine the influence of ethical leadership and sustainable leadership on sustainable performance in medium-sized companies. In addition, this research evaluates the moderating role of gender in this relationship. Design/Methodology/Approach: Data from medium-sized companies in Guayaquil, Quito, Manabí, El Oro, and Azuay in Ecuador were used. Using structural equation modeling, the influence of ethical and sustainable leadership on sustainable performance and the moderating role of gender were analyzed. Findings: The results show that ethical leadership has a significant negative influence on sustainable performance and sustainable leadership has a significant positive influence on sustainable performance. Additionally, the moderation of gender in the relationship between sustainable leadership and sustainable performance is verified. Practical implications: This study proposes a new model considering three constructs: ethical leadership, sustainable leadership and sustainable performance, which will serve for future research on these topics. Originality/value: With these findings, new knowledge is contributed to both the scientific community and business management.