Application of the Distinctive Culture of the Khmer Ethnic in Public Sector Leadership

Culture is defined as a collection of beliefs, values, norms, codes of conduct, symbols, and traditions that reflect shared characteristics and shape a community's identity.For the Khmer people in the Mekong Delta (MD), culture is manifested through various distinct features, including the communal lifestyle in phum and soc, a strong community spirit, and an "emotional" way of life.The pivotal role of pagodas (wat) in social interactions, combined with the unique status of the abbot as a spiritual leader, significantly influences the community's life orientation.Comprehending Khmer culture is particularly vital in public sector leadership, as it enables leaders to adapt their leadership styles to be more suitable and effective across diverse cultural contexts.Additionally, it enhances cross-cultural communication skills, improves decision-making capabilities, and addresses the specific needs of the Khmer community in the MD.