In the realm of Spanish winemaking, an examination has been conducted to explore how initiatives related to corporate social responsibility (CSR) impact green innovation performance (GIP). The study is grounded in a robust theoretical framework, which underwent empirical testing through a quantitative approach, particularly employing structural equation modelling (SEM). This approach was based on data collated from 202 wineries across Spain, recorded between September 2021 and January 2022. The results of this investigation demonstrate a notable and positive correlation between the implementation of CSR activities and the enhancement of GIP. The study further identifies both green intellectual capital (GIC) and knowledge management (KM) as playing intermediary roles in the CSR-GIP dynamic, underscoring their pivotal influence in the environmental strategies of these wineries.
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In the current discourse on environmental sustainability, a consensus has emerged among environmental advocates, business leaders, and academics regarding the profound impact of organizational activities on environmental health. This impact encompasses a range of issues including climate change acceleration, air quality deterioration, natural resource depletion, and the employment of hazardous materials, as highlighted by Soceanu et al. (2021). Given these consequences, the prioritization of environmental conservation in corporate operations has become a critical imperative.
The urgency for businesses to adopt socio-environmental strategies has drawn increasing scholarly interest, particularly towards 'green' initiatives. This trend encompasses diverse areas such as eco-friendly human resource practices, sustainable supply chain management, reverse logistics, and environmental innovation, as noted by Seman et al. (2019). This shift in research focus reflects an understanding that competitive advantage in the modern business landscape extends beyond mere economic gains, necessitating a balanced approach that also considers social and environmental impacts. This study, therefore, centers on Green Innovation Performance (GIP) as a key metric, aiming to evaluate organizational environmental performance through the implementation of Green Innovations (GIs), influenced by Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR). The pivotal role of GIs in enhancing a firm's performance is established in literature, as indicated by Qiu et al. (2020), and is essential for sustainable business operations, as argued by Yusliza et al. (2020).
In this evolving business context, CSR is viewed as a strategic tool that harmonizes economic, social, and environmental concerns, as described by Hernández et al. (2020). While traditional CSR research has predominantly focused on its economic outcomes, as detailed by Javed et al. (2020), the environmental dimension has not received sufficient attention, particularly in the context of its influence on GIP. This research endeavors to bridge this gap by examining the impact of CSR on GIP, treating CSR as a key variable influencing GIP. Additionally, this study explores the role of Green Intellectual Capital (GIC) and Knowledge Management (KM) as intermediary variables in the CSR-GIP relationship, utilizing perspectives from both the Intellectual Capital View (ICV) and the Knowledge-Based View (KBV).
This investigation is situated within Spain's viticulture sector, recognized for its substantial economic, social, and environmental impact, as noted by Marco-Lajara et al. (2022a). The sector is under growing pressure to enhance its sustainability practices due to the potential negative effects its operations can have on the environment, local communities, and the economy. One significant concern is the polluting emissions from the winemaking process, which contribute to fossil fuel depletion, as highlighted by Goncharuk (2017). Additionally, the extensive use of cleaning and disinfection products, often containing environmentally hazardous chemicals, leads to further ecological harm, as discussed by Benedetto (2013). The bottling and transportation processes also pose environmental risks, including increased CO2 emissions and the use of various packaging materials, as identified by Bonn et al. (2020).