cmupress.th@gmail.com
Abstract:
Throughout history, numerous theories and styles of leadership have been proposed, each suggesting unique approaches to leadership. Green Servant leadership is an intriguing leadership style that may gain popularity in the future. The roots of servant leadership as a leadership philosophy can be traced back several years, although the term "green servant leadership" was not coined until later. This article delves into the emergence and evolution of Green Servant Leadership, identifying a gap in understanding and advocating for collaborative research to explore its development from 2012 to 2023. Utilizing Bibliometrics and VOS viewer software, it analyzes metadata from 33 scientific journals on Scopus. Results show Luut. t.t. as the top author with 10 publications, amassing 527 citations and a total link strength of 1875. China leads in publications by country/territory with 14, publications and a cumulative link strength of 4467, while business management dominates as the top subject area with 17 articles. These findings indicate a global interest in various aspects of green servant leadership, with a notable surge in research volume in recent years. The study underscores the importance of these insights for future researchers, facilitating collaborative networks among institutions, countries, and authors who have contributed significantly to this field. Future researchers should collaborate to delve deeper into Green Servant Leadership, leveraging Bibliometrics and tools like VOS Viewer for comprehensive analysis. Prioritize investigating evolving trends, fostering global networks, and advancing knowledge within the context of environmental sustainability and social sciences.
Keywords: Bibliometric Analysis, Servant Leadership, Bibliometric Coupling, Vos Viewer, Scopus
INTRODUCTION
Robert K. Greenleaf was the individual who coined the term "Servant Leadership" in 1977. According to (Spears, 1995), Greenleaf believed that leaders who embody servant attributes are motivated by a natural inclination to serve others. This inclination leads them to aspire to lead in a way that meets the needs of those they serve. Due to its close relationship with transformational and ethical leadership, Servant leadership has often been considered an overlapping concept or even a sub-dimension of ethical leadership. According to Tuan (2018), servant leadership that is specifically geared toward the environment, based on Van Dierendonck (2011) the framework involves several attributes. These include providing guidance, empowering, and developing employees to become pro-environmental citizens, and exhibiting authenticity, humility, interpersonal acceptance, and stewardship toward employees' efforts to contribute to environmental sustainability. A servant leader is someone who is driven by a desire to serve others while leading them (Liden, Wayne, Liao, & Meuser, 2014; Liden et al., 2015). Servant leaders prioritize the interests of others and those of a larger community (Schaubroeck, Lam, & Peng, 2011). Servant leaders serve as role models for others by embodying empathy, altruistic values, and a deep commitment to their group's goals (Whittington, 2017). Servant leaders demonstrate their moral responsibility not only toward the growth and success of the organization Whittington (2017) but also toward the well-being of its stakeholders, including employees and the local community (Ehrhart, 2004; Hussain, Zakuan, Yaacob, Hashim, & Hasan, 2023).
Servant leadership has a broad focus on influencing various outcomes by prioritizing the needs of others and serving them (Greenleaf, 2002). There has been a shift in the conceptualization of servant leadership behaviors from a broad focus on influencing outcomes in diverse contexts to a more specific focus on utilizing the same set of servant behaviors to achieve a particular target (Afsar, Cheema, & Javed, 2018). Robertson and Barling (2017) propose expanding the scope of servant leadership to include environmental targets and exploring the potential role of environmental servant leadership in driving specific environmental outcomes. In recent times, researchers have introduced the concept of ESS (Environmental-Specific Servant) leadership, which expands the scope of target-specific servant leadership to include environmental sustainability. ESS leaders are defined as those who act as role models by promoting pro-environmental values and demonstrating a deep commitment to green goals, while also serving and assisting others, including employees, to contribute towards the sustainability of the organization and the broader community (Tuan, 2018). Environment-specific servant leadership is a form of servant leadership that centers on promoting green behaviors. It involves focusing all leadership behaviors on the goal of promoting environmental sustainability. Environment-specific servant leadership is a particular style of green leadership, which is a broader concept that pertains to the extent to which managers display a willingness and commitment to promoting environmentally friendly practices and implementing changes that lead to a competitive advantage (Lee, Lin, Lin, & Lu, 2014; Miller & Friesen, 1983).
In addition, ESS leadership can serve as a leadership approach to promoting green behavior that complements the dominant approach of green transformational leadership in the green management literature (Robertson & Barling, 2017). Hoch, Bommer, Dulebohn, and Wu (2018) found that servant leadership appears to have a greater degree of conceptual and empirical difference from transformational leadership. The motivation of servant leaders is focused on the development of their followers as an end goal. In contrast, transformational leaders prioritize meeting the needs of their followers as a means to achieve the organization's objectives (Eva, Robin, Sendjaya, Van Dierendonck, & Liden, 2019; Van Dierendonck, Stam, Boersma, De Windt, & Alkema, 2014). According to Karakas and Sarigollu (2013), servant leadership is also characterized by a sense of calling and responsiveness to the community's needs.
We recognize the necessity for an extensive and cohesive analysis of bibliometric data to identify the essential trends and advancements in green servant leadership research over time. This review aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of the key dynamics and evolution within the field of green servant leadership. This study aims to identify the primary research areas, current trends, and future directions within the field of green servant leadership research. To achieve this objective, we have employed the bibliometric review technique to address the following questions:
1. What is the historical progression and evolution of servant leadership research?
2. What are the main research streams or thematic areas within the field of green servant leadership research?
3. Which specific channels, such as journals, articles, authors, institutions, and countries, exert the greatest influence on green servant leadership research?
4. Is there an established collaborative network among authors across different countries for conducting servant leadership research?
This study utilizes a bibliometric approach to review existing research on green servant leadership or the concept of a green servant leader. The evolution of servant leadership spans three phases: conceptual definition and construct development, scale creation and investigation of antecedents/outcomes, and modeling mediating mechanisms and boundary constraints. Despite some meta-analyses, a comprehensive overview of servant leadership research is absent. A holistic bibliometric review is crucial to trace its evolution, identify key dynamics, and offer clarity on its origins, progress, and future directions. The authors aim to pinpoint potential areas and gaps in previous research while offering technical considerations for future researchers.
LITERATURE REVIEW
Green servant leadership is a relatively new concept that combines the principles of servant leadership with environmental stewardship. Here are a few definitions of green servant leadership from the literature:
"Green servant leadership involves leaders who prioritize the well-being of their followers, the organization, and the environment in their decision-making and actions. Such leaders seek to serve the needs of their followers while also promoting sustainable practices and reducing the organization's ecological footprint (Sher & Nawaz, 2021).
Green servant leadership is a leadership philosophy that combines the principles of servant leadership with a focus on sustainability and environmental responsibility. It is a style of leadership that seeks to serve others while also minimizing negative impacts on the environment. Green servant leaders prioritize the needs and well-being of their followers and also consider the long-term impact of their decisions on the planet (Sosik & Jung, 2011).
The concept of green servant leadership was first introduced by Kim and Ko (2012) in the article, "Green Servant Leadership: An Integrative Review and Future Research Agenda." In this article, they define green servant leadership as "a leadership approach that emphasizes serving the well-being of followers, while also promoting the well-being of the environment and addressing sustainability challenges."
The concepts, namely Servant Leadership, Environment Considerations, and green Human Resource Management (GHRM) share a common objective of promoting and inspiring the community to work towards the preservation of the environment and pursue common interests (Sher & Nawaz, 2021). The available literature shows that servant leadership is associated with modifying and shaping the behavior of employees by utilizing stakeholder management, which is grounded in the stakeholder theory (Neubert, Hunter, & Tolentino, 2016). Organizations that prioritize environmental sustainability encourage their employees to adopt green practices and achieve high levels of economic, social, and environmental performance. To achieve this, they employ green servant leadership, foster a helpful attitude towards environmental concerns, and implement green human resource management (GHRM) practices (Sher & Nawaz, 2021). Green servant leadership is a form of leadership that stems from an individual's internal desire to lead and to connect their personal beliefs with meeting the needs of others. Within this context, green servant leadership emphasizes the importance of respecting green considerations and preserving the environment for the benefit of future generations (Tuan, 2020).
The approach of green servant leadership aims to motivate employees to achieve pro-environmental targets set by the company, while also ensuring that team members work according to the organization's chosen environmental profile (Tuan, 2021). The success of environmental initiatives depends on the effectiveness of their leaders (Robertson & Barling, 2017). Servant leadership is a leadership philosophy that emphasizes the leader's responsibility to serve the needs of their followers, rather than the leader's self-interest or ambition (Liden et al., 2015). Servant leaders prioritize not only the interests of their team members but also the interests of the larger community they serve (Greenleaf, 1970). Servant leaders serve as role models by exemplifying empathy, altruistic values, and a strong commitment to the goals of their group (Whittington, 2017). Van Dierendonck (2011) framework for servant leadership attributes can be applied in an environmentally specific context by focusing on three key elements: directing, empowering, and developing employees to become pro-environmental citizens, and exhibiting authenticity, humility, interpersonal acceptance, and stewardship toward employees' pro-environmental contributions (Tuan, 2018).
In simpler terms, this means that leaders who adopt this approach provide guidance and support to their employees to become environmentally responsible, while also fostering a culture of mutual respect and accountability towards environmental goals. Additionally, they lead by example, demonstrating the values they preach and valuing the contributions of their employees towards a more sustainable future. Servant leaders demonstrate a moral responsibility not only to the growth and success of the organization, as noted by Whittington (2017), but also to the needs and interests of its stakeholders, including its employees and community. Robertson and Barling (2017)proposed broadening the scope of servant leadership to include environmental concerns. They explored the potential impact of an environmentally focused version of servant leadership on achieving specific environmental goals.
The concept of green servant leadership has been developed to integrate environmental considerations into an organization's operations and practices. This approach emphasizes the importance of leadership that is both environmentally responsible and focused on serving the needs of all stakeholders (Afsar et al., 2020). The green servant leadership approach aims to inspire employees to work towards achieving the company's pro-environmental goals. This is done while ensuring that team members serve in line with the organization's chosen environmental profile (Manz, Manz, Adams, & Shipper, 2011; Tuan, 2021).
According to Afsar et al. (2020), green servant leadership is built on the four core principles of servant leadership: Listening: Green servant leaders listen attentively to their followers and take their needs into account when making decisions. Empathy: Green servant leaders are empathetic and try to understand their followers' perspectives and needs. Healing: Green servant leaders seek to heal and help their followers, as well as the environment. Awareness: Green servant leaders are aware of the impact of their decisions on both their followers and the environment.
In addition to these core principles, green servant leadership also includes a focus on sustainability and environmental responsibility. This means that green servant leaders take steps to reduce their organization's impact on the environment, such as reducing waste, conserving resources, and using eco-friendly products. Kim and Ko (2012) argue that green servant leadership can have several positive outcomes, including improved organizational performance, increased employee engagement, and a more sustainable approach to leadership. They also suggest several areas for future research, including the development of tools to measure green servant leadership and the examination of the relationship between green servant leadership and organizational outcomes. Overall, green servant leadership is a leadership approach that combines a focus on serving others with a commitment to sustainability and environmental responsibility (Afsar et al., 2018). It has the potential to benefit both individuals and the planet and is an area of growing interest and research in the field of leadership studies. Previous studies Paesen, Wouters, and Maesschalck (2019) have highlighted the positive impacts of servant leadership on various variables including organizational behavior, trust in leaders and organizations, performance at both organizational and team levels, organizational commitment, and employee satisfaction.
Method, Data, and Analysis
This study used bibliometric analysis to examine the field of green servant leadership by analyzing data from the Scopus database. This study makes a valuable contribution to green servant leadership research by analyzing all relevant publications on the topic across different disciplines. The focus is on journals indexed in the Scopus, aiming to provide a comprehensive overview and advance understanding in the field. To present the findings in a systematic and organized manner, a bibliometric analysis approach was utilized to examine the characteristics of all publications related to green servant leadership research within the Social Sciences Citation Index (SSCI). This approach enables a structured analysis of the literature, allowing for a comprehensive understanding of the field. and its key features.
Bibliometric Technique
Zupic and Cater (2013) explained "bibliometrics" as a quantitative tool or measure used to analyze different aspects of publications, including journals, authors, keywords, countries, citations, and co-authors. To perform the quantitative analysis, the bibliometric analysis necessitates the utilization of visualization and mapping software (Cobo, López‐Herrera, Herrera‐Viedma, & Herrera, 2011). The software plays a crucial role in extracting citation links and assessing the strength of these links. It also facilitates the analysis of bibliographic coupling, which involves examining connections based on authors, countries, citations, and sources.
Software
Software like 'VOS Viewer' offers more than just descriptive statistics for publications. They also assist in analyzing complex associations between different characteristics of those publications, such as citation analysis, citation links, and bibliographic coupling (Van Eck & Waltman, 2010). VOS viewer software is specifically designed to create, visualize, and explore bibliometric maps in the scientific domain (Van Eck & Waltman, 2010). In this study, the author input data in formats like CSV (comma-separated values), from citation databases Scopus. Once the data is imported, VOS viewer allows me to clean and preprocess it. This may involve removing duplicates, filtering out irrelevant or low-quality data, and standardizing data formats. The software constructs networks based on relationships such as co-authorship or keyword co-occurrence and generates interactive visualizations of these networks. Users can analyze the visualizations to identify clusters, assess centrality, and detect trends. VOS viewer offers customization options for tailored analyses. Researchers interpret the results to gain insights into scholarly landscapes, which can inform further research or be reported in academic publications.
Database
The researcher utilized the SCOPUS database to gather papers published in the English language within the timeframe of 2012 to 2023. Scopus was selected as the database of choice due to its user-friendly interface and its extensive coverage of journals that have a significant impact on the social sciences (Hussain, Zakuan, Yaacob, Che, & Hashim, 2023). Scopus was utilized in this study because it encompasses both ISI and Scopus-indexed publications, ensuring a broad coverage of papers across various disciplines, including social sciences. It is considered to be a more comprehensive resource compared to the Web of Science, which solely includes ISI-indexed journals (Fahimnia, Sarkis, & Davarzani, 2015).
Search Strategy
The bibliometric study relied on data obtained from the Scopus database. To gather all relevant publication data concerning research on green servant leadership, a search query including the terms "green servant leadership*" or "environmental specific servant leadership" was employed. This search encompassed the title, abstract, and keywords fields, with the publication year limited to 2023. The raw data presented underwent filtration by restricting the search parameters to specific criteria. This involved limiting the document type to journal articles, the source type to articles, and the language to English. Additionally, the filter for "selecting relevance" was applied to refine the search results. This search yielded a total of 33 papers from the years 2012 to 2023. In the year 2012, only one publication was made while in the year 2022 eleven publications were made. Below is Table 1. Shows the year-wise research publication.
Table 1: Publication Records and Percentages by Publication Years
The table indicates a notable pattern regarding research publications on the topic. In 2012, only one publication was recorded, suggesting a relatively low level of researcher interest during that period. Furthermore, from 2013 to 2016, no publications were observed, indicating a significant gap in scholarly attention during those years. However, in 2022, there was a notable surge in research activity, with 11 publications, signaling a marked increase in momentum and interest within the academic community.
Quality, Quantity, and Structural Indicators
This bibliometric study adopts a comprehensive approach by employing quality, quantity, and structure indicators as outlined by (Merigó Lindahl, Gil Lafuente, & Yager, 2015). To assess the productivity of authors, journals, institutions, or countries in terms of the number of publications, quantity indicators are employed. Quality indicators are essential for evaluating the impact and influence of authors, articles, or journals by assessing the frequency of their citations in other publications. Additionally, structural indicators are utilized to measure the connectivity and relationships among the publications.
Descriptive Analysis
In this study, a total of 33 publications were collected and analyzed from the Scopus Core Collection. Table 2 presents the results depicting the number of records and the corresponding percentage for each document type. Among the various document categories, most of the publications included in the study were articles, accounting for 31 publications or 93.93% of the total while the conference review and review publication consisted of one each.
Table 2 : Document Types Record and Percentage
Table 2 shows that a total of 33 publications were collected and analyzed from the Scopus Core Collection, most of them were articles. Specifically, 31 out of the 33 publications were articles, representing a significant proportion of 93.93% of the total publications. On the other hand, there was only one publication each for conference reviews and review publications. Essentially, this indicates that articles are the predominant type of document included in the study, while conference reviews and review publications are relatively less common.
Table 3: Documents by subject area
The results presented in Table 3 offer a comprehensive view of publication numbers and their distribution across different subject areas. Business Management has the highest number of publications, with a total of 17 articles, constituting 51.51% of the total publications. This indicates that a significant portion of the research output is concentrated in the field of Business Management. Environmental Science follows closely behind, with ten publications accounting for 30.30% of the total. Social Science lags in the other two areas, with six articles representing 18.18% of the total publications. Overall, these results highlight the dominance of Business Management in terms of research output, with Environmental Science also being a notable area of focus, while Social Science has a comparatively smaller share of the total publications.
FINDINGS
Evolution of Servant Leadership Research
To address our first research question on the evolution of servant leadership, we conducted a comprehensive timeline analysis of green servant leadership research spanning from its inception in 2012 to the year 2023. To investigate the development of green servant leadership over time, we analyzed publications related to this topic in the Scopus database. Our analysis of green servant leadership publications in the Scopus database revealed a notable variation in the number of publications over time. Based on this variation, we identified two distinct research stages in the field: the pre-expansion stage and the expansion stage. Figure 1 illustrates the period from the year 2012 to 2016 comprised of the pre-expansion stage. out of a total of 33 publications only one publication is done this means that researchers showed less concern in the field of green servant leadership. While the period from 2016 to 2023 is called an expansion period as it reflects exponential growth, out of a total of 33 publications 32 are produced during this period.
Figure 1 depicts two distinct periods in the timeline of publications related to green servant leadership: the pre-expansion stage spanning from 2012 to 2016, and the expansion period from 2016 to 2023. During the pre-expansion stage (2012-2016), only one publication was recorded out of a total of 33 publications. This indicates a limited focus and relatively low level of interest from researchers in the field of green servant leadership during this time frame. The minimal activity suggests that the topic may have been overlooked or underexplored by the academic community. In contrast, the expansion period (2016-2023) witnessed exponential growth in publications, with 32 out of the total 33 publications produced during this time frame. This surge in research output suggests a significant increase in attention and interest from researchers toward the topic of green servant leadership. The expansion period likely saw advancements in the understanding and exploration of green servant leadership, leading to a greater volume of scholarly contributions. Overall, the transition from the pre-expansion stage to the expansion period signifies a notable shift in the research landscape, reflecting heightened interest and engagement in the field of green servant leadership among researchers.
Key Research words
To explore our first and second research questions, we analyzed co-occurring author keywords. The aim was to identify the primary focus areas within the field of green servant leadership research.
Figure 2. Density visualization (Co-occurrences analysis on author keywords) (2012-2023)
Figure 2 presents the density visualization depicting the results of the co-occurrence analysis of author keywords. This visualization provides a clear representation of the patterns and frequencies of the keywords within the context of servant leadership research. Out of a total of 111 keywords, only 8 keywords met the criteria of having a minimum frequency of 3 occurrences. The total strength of co-author links with other keywords was analyzed specifically for the 8 shortlisted keywords used by authors. This analysis aimed to examine the level of association and interconnectedness between these keywords and other terms within the context of servant leadership research. A stronger link between terms can be inferred when they are in closer proximity to each other. In the context of our analysis, the closeness of terms indicates a higher level of association and interconnectedness between them within the field of servant leadership research.
Figure 3. Network visualization of author keywords
Figure 3 depicts a network visualization representing the author's keywords. Within the network visualization shown in Figure 3, three distinct clusters can be observed: one represented by red nodes, another by green nodes, and the third by blue nodes. The red cluster in the network visualization represents keywords that are associated with the antecedents and outcome variables of green servant leadership. The green cluster in the network visualization consists of keywords that represent other leadership styles that researchers have studied in conjunction with servant leadership. whereas the blue cluster in the network visualization represents servant leadership research focused on organizational variables.
Bibliographic Coupling
To address our third research question regarding the research dynamics of green servant leadership, we utilized the bibliometric coupling algorithm. This algorithm was employed to identify influential authors, journals, publications, countries, and institutions within the field of servant leadership research.
Co-Authorship of Countries
To determine the most influential countries driving servant leadership research, a bibliographic coupling analysis was conducted. This analysis examined the connections and overlaps in the bibliographic references of various research publications related to servant leadership. By identifying the countries that had a high degree of bibliographic coupling, we were able to identify the nations that have made significant contributions to the development and advancement of green servant leadership as a research field. Figure 4 shows the details of the countries.
Figure 4. Overlay visualization Based on countries.
The analysis unveiled China as the most prominent contributor to green servant leadership research, boasting 14 publications and a cumulative link strength of 4467. Following closely, Australia secured the second position with 8 publications and a link strength of 2952. Subsequently, Pakistan and South Korea occupied the third and fourth positions respectively, with 7 and 4 publications each. Their respective link strengths were 3038 for Pakistan and 2316 for South Korea. These findings underscore the geographical distribution of research efforts in green servant leadership, emphasizing the substantial contributions from China and Australia while highlighting the engagement of Pakistan and South Korea in this scholarly domain.
Co-Authorship of Authors
Figure 5 depicts the results of the Bibliographic Coupling analysis conducted at the author level, with a threshold of 3 publications set for each author. Among the total of 102 authors, 8 authors met the threshold criteria. Subsequently, bibliographic coupling analysis was conducted for each of these 8 authors, and the total strength of each author was computed by aggregating their bibliographic coupling scores. Based on these scores, the authors were ranked accordingly.
Among the analyzed authors, luu t.t emerged as the foremost contributor in the domain of green servant leadership, boasting a notable record of 10 publications. Furthermore, these publications garnered considerable attention, evident from a total of 527 citations and a cumulative link strength of 1875. This signifies the significant scholarly impact and influence of luu t.t's contributions to the field of green servant leadership research.
Figure 5. Overlay visualization based on authors.
Table 4 provides a comprehensive overview of the number of publications, citations, and total strength for each of the 8 authors who were shortlisted through the bibliographic coupling analysis.
Table 4: Top Author's Contribution to the Field
Luut.t stands out as the most prolific author in servant leadership research, having authored 10 publications with 527 citations and a total link strength of 1875. Following closely, Ahmed F. ranks second with 8 publications, 320 citations, and a total link strength of 1843. Faraz.n.a. occupies the third position with 6 publications, 255 citations, and a total link strength of 1656. Ying m. and Aboramadan m. both have 3 publications each, with Ying accumulating 220 citations and a total link strength of 1576, and Aboramadan receiving 195 citations with a total link strength of 1551. Additionally, Ho j.a. Zafar h. and Tuan l.t. each contributed 1 publication, with citation counts of 98, 75, and 60 respectively. These findings provide a clear overview of the scholarly contributions and impact of each author in the field of servant leadership research.
Co-Authorship Network Across the Globe
To investigate the fourth research question, we conducted a co-authorship analysis at the country level. This analysis aimed to examine the collaborative patterns among authors from different countries within the research field. By using countries as the unit of analysis, we were able to explore how authors from various nations have collaborated in this research area. Each cluster in the analysis represents the collaboration among authors in researching the topic of green servant leadership.
Figure 6. Density visualization based on co-authorship across the globe.
The cluster represents the collaboration between authors, specifically authors from Australia, China, Pakistan, and the Netherlands. This indicates that authors from these countries have collaborated on research related to the topic at hand. Figure 6 illustrates clusters representing global co-authorship patterns. These clusters have emerged based on their total link strength, indicating the strength of collaboration among authors. Figure 6 displays clusters formed because of co-authorship in green servant leadership research worldwide.
Figure 6 depicts the co-author analysis based on countries, showcasing the collaboration of authors across the globe in green servant leadership research. Each cluster represents collaborative efforts among authors focusing on green servant leadership research. Cluster 1 illustrates the collaboration between European authors. Cluster 2 showcases collaboration among researchers from Saudia Arabia. In Cluster 3, researchers from Italy collaborate with their counterparts. Cluster 4 represents collaboration between Australian, Chinese, Pakistan, and Netherlands researchers, while Cluster 5 highlights collaboration between researchers from South Korea. Lastly, Cluster 6 demonstrates collaboration between Palestine and Indian researchers. These findings offer insights into the global network of collaborative efforts in advancing green servant leadership research across various regions.
Discussion
The main objective of this study was to conduct a comprehensive review of green servant leadership research in the field of social science, spanning a period of 10 years from 2012 to 2023. The current research involved the retrieval and analysis of publications focusing on green servant leadership within the realm of social science research. The VOS Viewer software was utilized to conduct a bibliometric analysis in this study. The analysis involved the examination and visualization of various characteristics of the publications, including the co-occurrence of author keywords, co-authorship analysis based on countries, and bibliographic coupling based on authors, sources, institutions, countries, and documents. The software facilitated the exploration and visualization of these characteristics, allowing for a comprehensive understanding of the research landscape and collaboration patterns within the field of study. The analysis revealed that China emerged as the most influential country in the field of green servant leadership research, exhibiting a significant lead over other countries such as Australia, Pakistan, South Korea, and Malaysia. According to the analysis, Luut.t.t emerged as the most influential author in green servant leadership. Luut.t.t had the highest number of citations and the strongest total link strength, indicating significant recognition and impact within the research community. Followed by Ahmed F., and Faraz.n.a. These authors have demonstrated substantial contributions and recognition in green servant leadership. The most influential field in terms of publications was Business management recorded the highest number of publications Followed by Environmental Science and Social Science.
Based on the results and findings, it can be inferred that there has been research conducted from different parts of the world on various aspects of green servant leadership. In recent years, there has been a notable surge in the momentum of green servant leadership research. But this field is still in the infancy stage and the term green servant leadership is new in the literature. The co-author analysis conducted between different countries revealed not only collaborations within individual countries but also intercontinental collaborations among researchers in the field of green servant leadership research. Furthermore, most of the existing research on green servant leadership has predominantly focused on the contexts of Australia, China, and Pakistan. There is a substantial research gap when it comes to studying servant leadership within the African, Middle Eastern, and South Asian contexts.
The major contribution of this study is the results from examining the literature in a structured, comprehensive, and objective manner. The obtained results serve as a valuable guide for researchers and scholars interested in further exploring the research area of servant leadership within the field of social sciences. In addition, this study facilitates researchers in establishing networks and collaborations with multiple institutions, countries, and authors from around the world who have made significant contributions to the field of servant leadership. To advance the field of green servant leadership, researchers should focus on exploring underrepresented contexts such as Africa, the Middle East, and South Asia, examining how cultural, social, and economic factors influence the adoption and effectiveness of green servant leadership practices. Longitudinal studies tracking the evolution and impact of these practices over time, interdisciplinary collaboration to integrate insights from diverse fields, and comparative cross-cultural studies are essential. Additionally, developing practical frameworks for implementing green servant leadership, robust measures for evaluation, and integrating these principles into leadership development programs can bridge the gap between research and practice, fostering sustainable development and responsible leadership globally
Conclusion
The comprehensive review of green servant leadership research conducted in this study provides valuable insights into the evolving landscape of this field within the realm of social science. The analysis, facilitated by the VOS Viewer software, elucidates various facets of publications, including author keywords, co-authorship patterns among countries, and bibliographic coupling across different dimensions. The dominance of China in green servant leadership research underscores its significant contributions and influence in shaping the discourse within this domain. Moreover, the prominence of authors like Luut.t.t, Ahmed F., and Faraz.n.a. reflects the caliber of their contributions and the recognition they have garnered within the research community. Furthermore, the surge in momentum observed in recent years signifies the growing interest and relevance of green servant leadership as a research topic. However, despite this momentum, the field remains in its infancy, with the term "green servant leadership" being relatively novel in literature.
The study highlights not only the existing collaborations within individual countries but also the emerging trend of intercontinental collaborations among researchers in this field. Nevertheless, it also underscores the research gap concerning the African, Middle Eastern, and South Asian contexts, suggesting avenues for future exploration and expansion of the research agenda. Overall, the structured and objective examination of the literature presented in this study offers valuable guidance for researchers and scholars interested in delving deeper into the realm of servant leadership within the social sciences. The findings serve as a foundation for establishing networks and collaborations across institutions and countries, thereby fostering continued advancements and innovations in the field of green servant leadership research. Recent bibliometric analysis papers have shed light on various aspects of Green Servant Leadership. However, some shortcomings persist. While these papers provide valuable insights into publication trends, citation patterns, and key contributors, they often lack in-depth qualitative analysis. Additionally, there's a need for more comprehensive coverage of diverse perspectives and regions, as well as exploration of emerging themes within the field. Furthermore, the reliance on quantitative metrics may overlook the contextual nuances and practical implications of green servant leadership initiatives. Future studies should aim to address these limitations by integrating qualitative approaches, considering a broader range of sources, and providing more nuanced interpretations of the data.
Acknowledgment
The author acknowledges Universiti Teknologi Malaysia, UTM Encouragement Research through VOT Q.J130000.3829.31J18 and R.J 130000.7629.4C787 for financial support and research publication.
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