Knowledge sharing is the exchange of experiences, ideas, and information with an organization or community. In this current era, organizations should effectively share information to gain a competitive edge for themselves (Sulistiawan et al., 2022). In this culture of sharing knowledge, social innovation plays a significant role. Muafi (2020), also highlights that social innovation help in designing new and innovative strategies, policies, and ideas to tackle environmental, cultural, and social challenges. Social innovation offers a variety of benefits in promoting knowledge-sharing culture. Social innovation encourages collaboration among organizations and individuals which helps in developing an inclusive and open environment for knowledge sharing. Social innovation support and empower employees by promoting a knowledge-sharing culture, thus help to help organizations in designing effective and creative solutions. With the help of leveraging technologies such as online platforms, social media, and blogs, firms can easily share and exchange their ideas and knowledge about the challenges with customers, employees, and partners. Further, social innovation also promotes transparency, which helps the organizations and employees to develop the trust to openly share their experiences and knowledge (Pansuwong et al., 2023). Gui et al. (2022), also mentioned in their study that the world is changing rapidly, with each passing day new technologies and strategies has been introduced in the business world, due to which employees, managers, or organization especially entrepreneurial firms must exchange their knowledge. Through this culture of knowledge sharing, organizations will remain up to date about the latest trends in the business world. Social innovation plays a significant role in supporting the development and learning process which promotes the culture of knowledge sharing.

It is also argued that strong KSC assists in facilitating the social innovation of the process by motivating the employees to share their expertise, skill, ideas, and perspectives. This leads to the creation of innovative solutions to social issues and in identifying the opportunities for social innovation and in this regard, KSC plays a crucial role in fostering the process of social innovation within an organization (Malik, 2022). Social innovation helps entrepreneurial firms in developing their brand image and reputation and attracting investors and customers, by differentiating their firms from other competitors. By dealing with societal challenges and enhancing society's well-being, entrepreneurial firms not only help in achieving operational and financial goals but also make a positive impact on the environment (Maziriri et al., 2024). However, the social innovation and entrepreneurial success relationship may face some trade-offs and challenges. In this regard, KSC plays a mediating role in dealing with these challenges. KSC encourages transparency and openness through collaboration, which helps in aligning the balance between entrepreneurial firms and social innovation (Ratten & Usmanij, 2021; Vavrek & Kovářová, 2021). Moreover, the continuous sharing of knowledge within the organizations will help to eradicate the risks linked with social innovations, thus creating success chances (Saeed et al., 2019). This discussion indicates that KSC has a positive impact and helps in making a strong and impactful relationship between these variables

Environmental innovation refers to the company's implementation focusing on environmental issues through innovative manufacturing processes, marketing, and products. It supports various innovative development of the latest technologies as well as sustainable and green strategies and practices. Cillo et al. (2022), highlighted that in past few years, the role of environmental innovation in the culture of knowledge sharing has gained huge attention, especially in the entrepreneurial sectors. Environmental innovation through fostering the exchange and collaboration of information and ideas among employees and organizations can have a significant impact on KSC. Environmental innovation encourages the coordination and collaboration between different stakeholders and partners including non-government, government, or business organizations. Chatterjee et al. (2022), determined that this coordination promotes knowledge sharing and builds openness and trust. Moreover, environmental innovation assists in the utilization of emerging and innovative technologies such as information communication technology, providing platforms for knowledge sharing and creating a positive impact. Further, with the help of environmental innovation, organizations are able to incorporate green and sustainable practices which benefit environment leading to the awareness of sustainability issues, hence, emphasizing the effective role of learning culture and knowledge sharing. This discussion above indicates that environmental innovation promotes knowledge sharing culture and exchange of ideas which help individuals to work together to deal with or tackle environmental or industrial issues (Al Shammre et al., 2023; Tajpour et al., 2023).

Previous studies done by the researcher have shown that a culture of knowledge sharing is crucial for the success of designing and implementing innovative ideas. Yang et al. (2018), highlight that environmental innovation assists in introducing innovative processes, technologies, or products that benefit environment. Environmental innovation and KSC can work together, leading to the success of enterprises. Environmental innovation increases efficiency, customer engagement, loyalty, and minimizes cost, and also helps in improving the company's brand image. Environmental innovation may face constraints due to a lack of knowledge sharing as knowledge sharing refers to practices, attitudes, and norms, thus supporting ideas and information sharing. Strong and effective knowledge-sharing leads to innovation, creativity, responsiveness, and agility in organizations (Hudáková et al., 2023; Yasir et al., 2023). For the success of entrepreneurial firms, employees must be well aware of the latest and innovative green practices to maintain the sustainability of the industry. Knowledge sharing helps organizations to understand the importance of environmental innovation for a competitive edge of the organizations. Knowledge sharing culture through open communication, continuous learning, collaboration, and recognition promotes environmental innovation which in return lead to firms’ success. From this discussion above it has been analysed that knowledge sharing act as a bridge and make the relationship strong between environmental innovation and entrepreneurial success (Ahmed et al., 2023; Shehzad et al., 2023).

Hypothesis 3

knowledge-sharing culture mediates the relationship between social innovation and entrepreneurial success.

Green volunteer behavior indicates the activities and practices related to environmental protection, conservation, and sustainability that individuals engage in voluntarily. These behaviors have a crucial impact on the KSC and entrepreneurial success. In entrepreneurial firms, where KSC is more prevalent, employees are encouraged to share or exchange their information, and ideas and collaborate, resulting in improved problem-solving capabilities and increased innovation. Arfi et al. (2018), mentioned that when employees and organizations are involved in green volunteer activities and practices, then they have the opportunity of collaborating outside of the workplace and develop relationships of trust and openness in society. Organizations that encourage green behavior determined the environmentally conscious and socially responsible image within the business environment. In short, the employees with green behavior have a keen interest in handling environmental consequences and KSC would help in promoting this behavior which leads to firms’ success.

Hypothesis 5

green volunteer behavior moderates the relationship between knowledge-sharing culture and entrepreneurial success.

The research investigates the impact of social and environmental innovation on entrepreneurial success and also investigates the mediating role of knowledge-sharing culture. In addition, the research also analyses the moderating role of green volunteer behavior in the manufacturing industry of Vietnam. These surveys were taken from previous studies such as social innovation has five question statements adopted from Hsu et al. (2019), environmental innovation also has five question statements adopted from Gomez-Conde, Lunkes, and Rosa (2019), knowledge sharing culture have three question statements adopted from Kuo & Young (2008), green volunteer behavior has eight question statements adopted from Woosnam et al. (2019) and entrepreneurial success has five question statements adopted from Vodă & Florea (2019). These question statements are given in Table 1.

The respondents of the study were selected based on simple random sampling. The surveys were sent to the employers through emails and personal visits. Total 564 surveys to the employers, but only 294 were received and used for analysis. These valid responses have around 52.13 percent response rate. The study also applied PLS methodology to check the model reliability and validity. It is an effective data analysis tool for primary data analysis. The study also chose PLS-SEM method over others because it is an appropriate model to deal with complex models comprises of multiple constructs and indicators. PLS-SEM compared to SEM also offers simplified analysis and is less bothered by issues related to sample size (Ramli et al., 2018). Besides, normally-distributed data is not a requirement in case of PLS-SEM, hence, an appropriate choice for data set that deviates from normality. PLS-SEM also allows researchers to assess the relationship between constructs even with smaller sample size. Since, the method emphasizes on explained variance in exogenous variables, hence, useful for predictive purposes (Dash & Paul, 2021). Moreover, it checks the items as well as the variables’ correlation using measurement model assessment. Items correlation was examined with the help of factor loadings, and it should be larger than 0.50. Moreover, item correlation is also analysed with the help of composite reliability (CR), and it should be greater than 0.70. Additionally, item correlation is also investigated with the help of Alpha, and it should be higher than 0.70. Finally, the correlation of the items is also analysed with the help of average variance extracted (AVE), and it should be greater than 0.5

In contrast, the variables’ correlation was assessed via Fornell Larcker, and “the standard criterion is that the first value is larger than the other values in the same column.” Finally, it was also examined through Heterotrait Monotrait (HTMT). In addition, the association among variables has also been examined using structural model assessment. The linkage among constructs was examined using t- values that should be larger than 1.96 and p-values that should be lower than 0.05. Finally, the study used two independent variables, social innovation (SI) and environmental innovation (EI), while knowledge sharing culture (KSC) was used as a mediating variable, green volunteer behavior (GVB) was used as moderating variable, and entrepreneurial success (ES) used as the dependent variable (See fig. 1).

Fig. 1.

Theoretical model

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Findings of Table 2 show the correlation between items. Items correlation was examined with the help of factor loadings, and values are greater than 0.5. These outcomes show a high correlation among items.

In addition, the study findings show the correlation between items and are analysed with the help of CR, and values are larger than 0.70. Additionally, item correlation is also investigated with the help of Alpha, and values are larger than 0.70. Finally, item correlation is also analysed with the help of AVE, and values are larger than 0.50. These outcomes show a high correlation among items. These outcomes are mentioned in Table 3.

The outcomes of Fornell Larcker presented in Table 4 show a low correlation among variables.

Test of variance inflation factors was also performed for the detection of multicollinearity. As the values of each variable's respective item is less than or equal to 3. So, it indicates that multicollinearity is not present in the data. Table 5 shows the VIF results.

The researcher has also tested model fitness and the results have been reported in table 6. There were five indices in model fitness through which the results have been reported. Both the saturated and estimated model has depicted satisfactory values against all the indices including SRMR, d_ULS, d_D, Chi-square and NFI and it can be observed that the model is fit and significant therefore path analysis can be performed.

Table 7 depicts the results of different hypothesized paths including the direct and indirect effects. Results indicates that SI and EI significantly impacts entrepreneurial success, Therefore the hypothesis 1 and 2 have been accepted. P-values against the direct effects is 0.00 which shows the significant association among variables. The positive and significant association of SI with ES explains that social innovation addresses the societal needs through novel products/services or processes that allows existing markets to expand further. This not only stimulates sustainable growth but also ensure entrepreneurial success. The results also highlight that entrepreneur with social innovation creates value for businesses and society. Resulting in sustainable business model and long-term economic benefits. In addition to this, the positive and significant relationship between EI and ES also implies that entrepreneurs when integrate environmental innovation in their current business practices, they experience greater success. This is because enhanced competitive advantage, improved market position, long-term cost savings, high capital influx, less legal penalties and high profitability.

Results also depicts that GVB insignificantly moderates the relationship between KSC and ES. So, H5 has been rejected. The absence of moderating role of green volunteer behaviour indicates that even with a focus on environmental goal, green volunteer behavior seems to have no direct alignment with prompt business goals of entrepreneurial success. Hence, the chances are greater that it may dilute the effect of knowledge sharing culture on environmental success. Also, green volunteer behavior sometimes diverts the businesses’ resources from their core operations which could negatively affect the relationship between knowledge sharing culture and entrepreneurial success. The focus on sustainability over profitability due to volunteer behavior often reduce the effectiveness of knowledge sharing culture aimed at ES. A negative path coefficient also highlights other factors such as cultural mismatch that subdue the relationship of KSC with ES.

Findings also highlight the significant role of KSC as a mediator between EI, SI and ES, therefore H3 and H4 have been accepted. P-values for this relationship is 0.003 and 0.007 which meets the threshold criteria of significant probability values. Therefore, the mediating hypothesis have been accepted (See Fig. 2). Findings articulate the knowledge sharing culture partially mediates the relationship. A strong mediation case in the context of KSC indicates that sacred information and novel ideas linked to environmental and social innovation when easily float in environment, makes easier for entrepreneurs to leverage these ideas to achieve success. Knowledge sharing culture also encourage firms to be responsive and adaptable to embrace the change and new market trends. Hence, ensure the long-run success.

Fig. 2.

Structural model assessment

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The result has shown the positive role of social innovation in entrepreneurial success in the manufacturing industry of Vietnam. Social innovation has a distinctive characteristic from traditional business as it prioritizes social impact as many social innovations are designed and created to be economically viable, ensuring sustainability and long-term success. The previous study done by Arsawan et al. (2022) also highlights that social innovation has contributed to the awareness for firms to address more environmental and social challenges and focus on the resources and tools that enable organizations to develop innovative solutions. Moreover, the past research done by Wittmayer et al. (2019), also determined the significance of social innovation and how social innovation is transforming the business world. Social innovation can create a meaningful impact and is an important tool to tackle environmental challenges. By encouraging KSC, social innovation also encourages continuous development. Employees can have access to new perspectives and are encouraged to express themselves, leading to dynamic organizations. Roblek et al. (2019), also mentioned in their study that social innovation not transforms business practices but also induces positive changes in the environment. Social innovation would be able to promote the KSC only when the organizations can embrace the change and are willing to invest in the technologies that support KSC. In short, social innovation helps in promoting the culture of KS. Through collaboration, innovative technologies, transparency, and supporting continuous learning, social innovation assists entrepreneurial firms to become competitive and dynamic in the business world. The results have also shown a positive role environmental innovation in promoting the entrepreneurial success in the manufacturing industry of Vietnam. Consistent with literature, Fernando et al. (2019), also highlighted the importance of environmental innovation. Environmental innovation refers to the development of innovative technologies, the circular economy adoption, or implement green practices. As environmental innovation is more concerned with sustainable practices, it also encourages the KSC. As environmental innovation is significant in combating environmental challenges which can be done when organizations have knowledge sharing culture, information, and ideas. With KSC, employees feel empowered and able to express their ideas which in turn leads to the success of the entrepreneurial firms.

The result showed the positive role of KSC in entrepreneurial success. Prior study of Oyemomi et al. (2019), also supports the findings. Organizations having strong KSC will help in making the organizations successful. When organizations promote KSC, employees would able to share their views, knowledge, information, and ideas, thus providing innovative solutions. KSC provides collaboration, open communication, continuous learning, trust, and empowerment within the organizations. All these factors not only make the entrepreneurial firms of the manufacturing industry successful but also help them in earning competitive edge. Findings confirmed that knowledge-sharing culture is a significant mediator between social innovation and entrepreneurial success. It has been concluded from our research that a strong KSC facilitates social innovation to gain the firm's goals and at the same time, helps to tackle all the challenges in the industry. KSC through various pieces of training, leadership guidance, and online webinars helps in assisting the social innovation and entrepreneurial firms’ success.

Findings confirmed the positive mediating impact of KSC between environmental innovation and entrepreneurial success. In our study, it has been concluded that KSC and environmental innovation can work together for the success of entrepreneurship. In the past few years, sustainability has gained huge attention worldwide, so entrepreneurial organizations must manage their brand image with the help of green practices. Through KSC, new and innovative solutions can be designed which tackle the challenges of the environment. In this current era, for the success of entrepreneurial firms, organizations need to implement sustainable practices in their business operations. It has been concluded from our result that KSC not only facilitates environmental innovation but also leads to the success of the organizations. As far as the moderating hypothesis is concerned, results depicted that green volunteer behaviour is an insignificant moderator between knowledge sharing and entrepreneurial success. Although, it can be considered that knowledge sharing culture within a business can directly leads to entrepreneurial success (Audretsch et al., 2020; Laily & Ernawati, 2020). A firm promoting a learning culture within its business can expect the employees to grow by learning and development, thereby leading to entrepreneurial success.

To increase resiliency, connectivity among supply chains, and diversity as well as less dependence on any specific country in the global business, Vietnam is becoming one of the best destinations for manufacturing investment because of its production costs, strategic location, competitive labour, and shipping advantages. However, entrepreneurship is a huge contributor to the success of the manufacturing industry of Vietnam. Entrepreneurship has significant importance in the development of small and medium enterprises. SMEs are considered the key driver for the manufacturing sector, thus promotes economic growth. Entrepreneurs with the help of innovative and creative ideas led to the development of new services and products and improving the existing market. In Vietnam, entrepreneurs use their creativity to tackle environmental issues that the country is facing due to increased business activities. Governments are taking initiatives to encourage and motivate individuals to move towards entrepreneurship with green practices. They are also providing financial assistance and legal support to these new and innovative business ventures. However, entrepreneurial organizations are still experiencing issues and this paper made an attempt to address such challenges.

As has been discussed earlier, that green behavior culture assists organizations to adopt green practices to tackle the negative environmental crisis. The manufacturing industry of Vietnam has created a lot of environmental damage in the country, so it is important for organizations to have green practices, thus minimizing the use of hazardous materials and proper utilization of natural resources. Further, organizations having a strong culture of knowledge sharing will help the firms to succeed, as all the employees have their thinking, skills, and knowledge. By exchanging their information and ideas, it will develop an environment of trust and openness which lead to the development of innovative solutions. Employees in such a culture also feel a sense of acknowledgment and empowerment, encouraging and motivating them to fully participate in the success of the country. Since, it has also been confirmed that knowledge sharing culture mediates the relationship of social and environmental innovation with entrepreneurial success, therefore, firms are advised to promote the culture where knowledge can be floated without any restriction. This allows individuals to nurture the growth of innovative ideas, eventually leading to entrepreneurial success. Development of training programs aimed at social and environmental innovation also help individuals to build understanding regarding the significance of such aspects that are crucial to have lasting impact on business. Taking advantage of advanced technology on entrepreneurial platforms means promoting collaborative tools that allows individuals to share creative ideas, thus, adding their significant part into entrepreneurial success. The direct association of social and environmental innovation with entrepreneurial success also indicates that this kind of innovations not only addresses societal and environmental challenges but also ensures firm success. Thus, SMEs should integrate these innovations with their core operations as it would not optimize their environmental resource to reduce the risk of legal challenges and potential challenges but also helps in building a strong relationship with stakeholders. Hence, implementing such practices help manufacturing SMEs of Vietnam to take maximum leverage of these benefits to achieve success that is already evident in the study findings. The insignificant role of green volunteer behaviour as moderator also offers guidelines. The absence of moderation suggests the need of re-assessing the type green volunteer activities. Because their alignment with core business strategies decides the fate of positive entrepreneurial outcomes. These findings also guide entrepreneurs to reconsider the allocation of resources dedicated to the activities that are directly related to knowledge sharing culture and entrepreneurial success. Since negative path coefficient highlight that green volunteer rather seems to be a burden, therefore, it is necessary for organization to closely evaluate their structured patterns because if they are deviating from primary business objectives, then they are distraction for the organization rather than a value-adding element. By considering these suggestions, firms are able to navigate the complex mechanism of green volunteer behaviour with the assurance of entrepreneurial success.

This study has some limitations which should be addressed in future studies. First, this study has analysed the impact of variables such as social innovation and environmental innovation on knowledge-sharing culture. In the future, more variables such as product innovation, and green innovation can also be used in the study to determine their role and impact on knowledge-sharing culture. Second, this study has only used one mediator such as knowledge sharing culture between social innovation, environmental innovation, and entrepreneurial success. However, knowledge adoption, knowledge creation, and application of knowledge can also be used as mediators, in the future to study their impact on entrepreneurial success. Third, in this paper, only one moderator such as green volunteer behavior is used between entrepreneurial success and KSC. However, more moderators such as green practices, and green human resource management can also be used to study their moderating impact on KSC and entrepreneurial success. Last, this research has been conducted on the manufacturing industry of developing countries which might not apply to developed countries. In the future, this model can be used to study developed countries and other industries such as services can also be used to study these variables.

Chia-Yang Lin: Conceptualization, Data curation, Formal analysis, Investigation, Methodology. Ka Yin Chau: Software, Visualization, Writing – original draft, Writing – review & editing. Massoud Moslehpour: Project administration, Supervision, Validation.