Abstract
Global Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) have been showing more interest in addressing environmental challenges and social values through Environmental, Social and Governance Management (ESGM). While leadership approaches are frequently integrated into ESGM, empirical research on Authentic Leadership (AL), ESGM, Organisational Innovation (OI), and followers' creativity (FC) is still very inadequate. This study fills this gap by investigating the relationships between AL, OI, and FC via the mediating role of ESGM, utilising a multilevel mediating model. Data were collected from deans, directors, and chairpersons of 38 business schools accredited by the National Business Education Accreditation Council (NBEAC) and 440 employees. The research findings showed that at the individual level, AL significantly predicts FC. At the organisational level, AL positively influences OI. Furthermore, ESGM had a mediating impact on the relationship between Authentic Leadership and Organisational Innovation at the organisational level and between AL and FC at the individual level. These findings offer valuable theoretical and practical insights for fostering AL, OI, and FC through ESGM in workplaces.