ABSTRACT This study examines the influence of Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) performance, Green Innovation Practices (GIP), and Information Technology Capabilities (ITC) on Sustainable Business Performance (SBP) in the leather industry of Tamil Nadu, India. Using a hybrid methodological approach—combining Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS‐SEM), SPSS, and Artificial Neural Networks (ANN)—the research captures both linear and complex non‐linear relationships among the variables. The results identify ESG performance as the most influential factor driving SBP, with GIP and ITC also contributing significantly. The study highlights the strategic importance of embedding strong ESG frameworks, fostering innovation through sustainable practices, and utilizing IT capabilities for operational efficiency and long‐term performance. It offers practical implications for industry leaders and policymakers aiming to enhance sustainability outcomes. While valuable, the study is limited by its regional and sector‐specific scope, reliance on cross‐sectional survey data, and the interpretability challenges of ANN. Future research should explore broader contexts and apply longitudinal approaches.
Begum et al. (Sun,) studied this question.