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Abstract:

Cambodia’s digital media sector is rapidly evolving alongside internet and e-commerce growth. This shifting landscape presents strategic challenges for local enterprises facing technological disruption, skill gaps, and global competition. Drawing on BizKhmer Digital Media’s experience (2020–2025), this study examines how transformational leadership drives strategic innovation and adaptability in Cambodia’s emerging digital industry.
Rooted in a PhD by Portfolio, the research uses a case-based approach combining portfolio evidence, organizational experience, and secondary sources. Transformational leadership serves as the primary theoretical lens, supported by strategic-management concepts on capabilities and adaptation. The analysis emphasizes leadership practices in employee empowerment, delegation, knowledge transfer, technology adoption, and strategic responses to Cambodia’s digital environment.
Findings show that transformational leadership strongly correlates with enhanced employee participation, continuous learning, and digital adaptation. The study underscores the necessity of contextualizing leadership within Cambodia’s unique cultural, institutional, and market conditions, where trust, workforce skills, and regulations shape strategic decisions.
The article proposes an integrative framework linking transformational leadership, employee empowerment, digital capability, and strategic innovation. It offers a context-sensitive perspective on leadership in an emerging economy and provides practical insights for digital-media entrepreneurs in Cambodia and similar developing markets.
Keywords: transformational leadership; strategic innovation; digital transformation; digital media; organizational adaptability; emerging economy; Cambodia

Author:

Yorn Sophearith