Corporate governance as a catalyst in the nexus between green intellectual capital and organisational sustainability: A conceptual insight

Rabaya Zaman (1) , Nahariah binti Jaffar , Wan Fadzilah Wan Yusoff , Md. Tofael Hossain Majumder
(1) Putra Business School, Universiti Putra Malaysia, 43400 UPM Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia., Malaysia

Abstract

Sustainability is an important strategic goal that businesses are factoring in, as its implementation guarantees long-term competitiveness and positive societal impacts. In emerging economies, sustainability is of greater importance as environmental pressures, resource limitations, and stakeholder demands pose an increasing threat to industries. In this context, this study demonstrates how corporate governance mechanisms improve and strengthen the association between Green Intellectual Capital (GIC) and organizational sustainability (OS) by drawing on the Natural Resource-Based View (NRBV) and Stakeholder Theory. To the best of our knowledge, this is the unique study to conceptualize corporate governance mechanisms as a driving force that strengthens the association between GIC and OS within the context of emerging economies. The outcome of this study will help both government and industry decision-makers strengthen governance structures that support the effective use of environmental knowledge and responsible management practices. Furthermore, the study will serve as a conceptual foundation for future empirical investigations and encourages further examination of governance-driven sustainability transformations in emerging-market contexts.

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Authors

Rabaya Zaman
rabaya07@gmail.com (Primary Contact)
Nahariah binti Jaffar
Wan Fadzilah Wan Yusoff
Md. Tofael Hossain Majumder
Zaman, R., Jaffar, N. binti, Wan Yusoff, W. F., & Majumder, M. T. H. (2025). Corporate governance as a catalyst in the nexus between green intellectual capital and organisational sustainability: A conceptual insight. The Asian Journal of Professional & Business Studies, 6(2), 170–179. https://doi.org/10.61688/ajpbs.v6i2.474

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