Abstract
Background Achieving sustainable performance in healthcare organizations has become a pressing necessity,
driven by environmental challenges and the imperative for enhanced efficiency. Within nursing leadership, the
integration of green absorptive capacity, green intellectual capital, and green knowledge management has emerged
as a strategic approach to fostering sustainability. However, empirical research on the interplay of these green
competencies in the nursing sector remains limited.
Aim This study aims to examine the mediating role of green knowledge management (GKM) in the relationships
between green absorptive capacity, green intellectual capital, and sustainable performance among nursing
managers. It explores how GKM processes translate environmental competencies into sustainable leadership
outcomes.
Methods A cross-sectional descriptive correlational study was conducted among 207 nursing managers at Zagazig
University Hospitals, Egypt. Data was collected using five validated instruments, including the Green Absorptive
Capacity Questionnaire, Green Intellectual Capital Questionnaire, Sustainable Performance Questionnaire, and Green
Knowledge Management Scale. Structural equation modeling and path analysis were performed to test the study
hypotheses.
Results The findings revealed significant positive associations between green absorptive capacity (β=0.123,
p