Journal of Contemporary Social Science and Education Studies (JOCSSES) E-ISSN- 2785-8774

TRANSFORMATIONAL LEADERSHIP AND FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT AS INTEGRATED GOVERNANCE MECHANISMS FOR ORGANIZATIONAL PERFORMANCE OF A MALAYSIAN STATE EDUCATION TRUST FUND

Mustafa Musa — Tue, 20 Jan 2026 00:00:00 +0000

This study examines how transformational leadership (TL) and financial management (FM) operate as integrated governance mechanisms in enhancing organizational performance within a Malaysian state education trust fund. While existing research has established the independent effects of leadership and financial management on organizational outcomes, limited empirical attention has been given to their interaction in public-sector education financing institutions. Drawing on a qualitative case study of the Melaka State Education Trust Fund (TAPEM), data were collected through semi- structured interviews with 20 organizational actors, document analysis, and non- participant observation. Thematic analysis reveals that transformational leadership practice’s ethical role modelling, inspirational vision articulation, intellectual stimulation, and individualized support are most effective when aligned with disciplined financial management practices, including budgeting control, repayment monitoring, and accountability reporting. The findings demonstrate that organizational performance in education trust institutions emerges from the alignment between leadership-driven values and financial governance systems rather than from either dimension alone. The study contributes theoretically by extending contemporary transformational leadership scholarship into the domain of public-sector financial governance and practically by offering evidence-based insights for policymakers and administrators seeking to strengthen organization sustainability, legitimacy, and performances.

SMART GREEN CITIES IN PERAK: THE ROLE OF LOCAL AUTHORITIES IN LOW-CARBON TRANSITION

Rumaizi Bin Baharin , Yufiza Mohd Yusof — Tue, 20 Jan 2026 00:00:00 +0000

This study investigates the interplay between local authority initiatives (PBT) and Doughnut Economy principles in driving Smart Green City development across selected municipalities in Perak, Malaysia. Using a quantitative framework supported by Structural Equation Modelling (SEM), the research evaluates the direct and mediating effects of these variables on urban sustainability outcomes. Empirical results reveal that local authority initiatives (PBT) exert the strongest direct influence on Smart Green City success, with a standardized beta coefficient of β = 0.671, indicating a substantial positive effect. The model demonstrates strong explanatory power, with an R² value of 0.642 and an adjusted R² of 0.635, confirming that over 64% of the variance in Smart Green City outcomes is accounted for by the predictors. Doughnut Economy principles contribute a partial mediating effect, reinforcing the importance of embedding ecological ceilings and social foundations into urban planning. These findings support a dual-framework approach, one that strengthens institutional governance while integrating regenerative and inclusive values. The study concludes that Smart Green City development is not merely a technical endeavour but a transformative process rooted in equity, resilience, and long- term stewardship. By situating this analysis within the Malaysian context, the research offers both theoretical depth and actionable insights for policymakers, urban planners, and sustainability advocates seeking integrated models for low-carbon, inclusive urban transitions.

INFRASTRUCTURE DEVELOPMENT AND YOUTH EMPOWERMENT: A SOCIOECONOMIC ANALYSIS IMPACT IN NEW VILLAGE COMMUNITIES

Chong Ka Foo , Yufiza Mohd Yusof — Tue, 20 Jan 2026 00:00:00 +0000

This study examines the structural relationships between socioeconomic change, policy implementation and community participation, income levels and socioeconomic well- being in Malaysia’s New Village communities. Grounded in development theory and analysed using Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modelling (PLS-SEM), the research investigates both direct and indirect pathways influencing well-being. The structural model demonstrated strong reliability and validity (CR > 0.85; AVE > 0.50), with acceptable model fit indices (SRMR = 0.062; NFI = 0.91) confirming its robustness. The results reveal that socioeconomic change has a significant direct effect on socioeconomic well-being (β = 0.412, p < 0.001) and an even stronger indirect effect through the mediating roles of policy implementation (β = 0.287, p < 0.001) and community participation (β = 0.264, p < 0.001). Together, these mediators accounted for 38.6% of the total effect, underscoring their pivotal role in translating structural reforms into improved well-being. Additionally, income was found to significantly moderate the relationship between socioeconomic change and well-being (interaction β = 0.173, p = 0.004), indicating that individuals with higher income levels benefit more substantially from socioeconomic improvements. These findings highlight the importance of integrated development strategies that combine infrastructure investment with participatory governance and equitable resource distribution. The validated model contributes to rural development literature by offering a nuanced understanding of how structural and individual-level factors interact to shape community well-being. Practically, the study provides actionable insights for policymakers seeking to uplift marginalized populations through inclusive, context-sensitive interventions tailored to local socioeconomic realities

THE POWER OF STEM: EXAMINING STRATEGIC LEADERSHIP AND CHANGE MANAGEMENT IN MALAYSIA'S MULTI-DOMAIN EDUCATION REFORM

Zalina Binti Zulkifly , Yufiza Mohd Yusof — Tue, 20 Jan 2026 00:00:00 +0000

This study investigates the role of STEM integration in driving educational reform within Malaysian secondary schools, emphasizing the mediating influence of strategic leadership and change management. Using a quantitative research design and Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modelling (PLS-SEM), the study analyses relationships among four key constructs: STEM, Leadership, Change Management and Education Reform. Findings reveal that STEM significantly influences both leadership development and organizational change, with leadership emerging as the strongest mediator in translating STEM initiatives into reform outcomes. While change management supports structural adaptation, its indirect impact on education reform is less pronounced. The research contributes a unified framework that bridges technology, leadership, and change processes, offering both theoretical advancement and practical guidance for policymakers. Limitations related to context and design are acknowledged, with recommendations for longitudinal, mixed-methods, and cross-cultural studies to refine and expand the model. Overall, the study positions STEM as a strategic catalyst for systemic change, reinforcing the importance of visionary leadership in sustaining innovation within education systems

TECH-DRIVEN LEADERSHIP AND DIGITAL CULTURE AS CATALYSTS FOR ORGANIZATIONAL TRANSFORMATION IN CHINA’S NEV INDUSTRY: IMPLICATIONS FOR EMPLOYEE ENGAGEMENT

Guo Dong — Tue, 20 Jan 2026 00:00:00 +0000

The rapid digital transformation in China’s New Energy Vehicle (NEV) industry presents challenges in sustaining employee engagement while adapting to technological change. This study examines the impact of digital leadership on employee engagement, considering the mediating role of dynamic managerial capabilities – sensing, seizing, and reconfiguring and the moderating effect of AI-augmented HRM. A quantitative, cross-sectional survey was conducted with 318 employees from NEV firms. Data were analysed using Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modelling (PLS-SEM) to assess measurement validity, structural relationships, and indirect and moderating effects. Results show that digital leadership significantly enhances employee engagement directly and indirectly through reconfiguring, seizing, and sensing, with reconfiguring and seizing having the strongest mediating effects. The moderating role of AI-augmented HRM was not supported. The findings contribute to the dynamic capabilities and leadership literature by highlighting how digital leadership drives engagement through capability development. Practically, the study suggests investing in leadership development to strengthen reconfiguring and seizing skills and integrating AI-based HR practices strategically. Limitations include the cross-sectional design, industry-specific focus, and reliance on self-reported data. Future research should employ longitudinal approaches, expand to other sectors, and include additional organizational factors such as digital culture and trust in technology.

EXPLORING THE INTERACTION BETWEEN TECHNOLOGICAL, ENVIRONMENTAL AND PERSONAL FACTORS IN POSTGRADUATE ODL SUCCESS

Muhammad Dhiyauddin Saharudin — Tue, 20 Jan 2026 00:00:00 +0000

The rapid advancement of online education, particularly Online Distance Learning (ODL), has made significant strides in shaping modern educational landscapes, especially for postgraduate students. However, various factors influence students' academic performance, particularly in Malaysian private universities offering ODL programs under frameworks such as Accreditation of Prior Experiential Learning (APEL A). This study examines the combined impact of technological tools, infrastructure quality, and personal motivation on postgraduate ODL students' academic performance, focusing on how these factors interact and how online learning satisfaction acts as a moderator. A quantitative approach was employed, using surveys to collect data from postgraduate students engaged in ODL programs across various private institutions. The results highlight the substantial role of technology-enhanced learning tools and infrastructure in promoting student engagement and performance. Additionally, personal motivation emerged as a key factor in student success. Online learning satisfaction was found to significantly moderate the relationship between these factors and academic performance. The findings provide valuable insights for educators and policymakers to enhance the effectiveness of ODL programs, ensuring more inclusive, effective and supportive learning environments for postgraduate learners in Malaysia.

GLOBAL MODELS OF RUMINANT INDUSTRY GOVERNANCE: LESSONS FOR MALAYSIA’S BEEF AND DAIRY SECTOR

Ahmad Shabudin Ariffin, Abu Hassan Muhammad Ali, Yusramizza Yusuff — Tue, 20 Jan 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Malaysia's ruminant sector faces structural challenges including low productivity, weak value chains, and fragmented institutional support. With increasing demand for meat and dairy products, a sustainable development model is crucial. This study investigates how Australia’s Meat & Livestock Australia (MLA) and other international livestock organizations manage funding, innovation, and traceability through statutory levies. Using a qualitative case study method and comparative analysis, this paper proposes a hybrid Malaysian Ruminant Industry Corporation (MRIC) that integrates global best practices tailored to Malaysia’s context. The proposed MRIC combines elements from MLA, Ireland's ICBF, and India’s NDDB to create an inclusive, efficient and market-driven system. This institutional synthesis illustrates how developing economies can overcome the constraints of single-model adoption by strategically integrating complementary governance mechanisms to address context-specific challenges and utilizing universal principles of effective livestock industry coordination

IMPACT OF DOUYIN ON INDIVIDUAL FACTORS AMONG ITS USERS IN GUIZHOU, CHINA

Luo Yawen , Mohamad Nasir Saludin — Tue, 20 Jan 2026 00:00:00 +0000

With the rise of short video platforms, understanding their influence on user behaviour has become increasingly important. This study examines whether the Douyin social media platform affects individual factors. It analyses how elements such as attitudes, beliefs, preferences, habits, lifestyle choices, and self-perceptions are influenced by Douyin’s personalized content delivery system. Using the Decision-making Model of Sustainable Consumption, the study investigates how algorithmic curated content, influencer marketing, and integrated e-commerce features shape user responses. The research utilize a quantitative approach, collecting data from a sample of 385 Douyin users in Guizhou, China. Structural Equation Modelling (SEM) confirmed a strong and statistically significant relationship between Douyin usage and changes in individual variables (path coefficient = 0.48, p < 0.001). The findings suggest that Douyin significantly shapes individual factors among users in Guizhou, China, with the most pronounced effects observed in younger users, particularly females aged 18–24, as they are most susceptible to changes in attitudes and preferences, underscoring the platform’s influence on individual behaviour through tailored, emotionally engaging content.

DIGITALIZATION AND MULTICULTURAL ISLAMIC EDUCATION: NEW OPPORTUNITIES FOR MALAYSIA AND INDONESIA

Tue, 20 Jan 2026 00:00:00 +0000

The adoption of advanced digital technology in Islamic education creates modernized approaches for the delivery of education between multicultural countries such as Malaysia and Indonesia. The digital revolution enables different types of students to collaborate digitally by providing Islamic knowledge through virtual networks linked to mobile apps and educational technology platforms. This study explores the effect of digitalization on multicultural Islamic education by evaluating the benefits along with drawbacks of this educational approach. The research established its methodology through surveys administered to 100 people belonging to educator and policy-making roles alongside student roles to analyze digital learning strategies in Islamic education. The research data reveals that digital resources enhance accessibility to learning and increase student engagement since 75% of participants have positive views about their advantages. The combination of restricted internet access and inadequate digital literacy skills and widespread distribution of false content mainly affects educational delivery in rural settings. The research proves digital education promotes inclusive learning, so societal implementation methods need proper guidelines for ensuring educational quality standards. The researcher states that preserving authentic religious education requires a combination of technology with traditional Islamic teaching practices because modern digital advancements are beneficial. Modern Islamic educational institutions performing digital transformation between Malaysia and Indonesia need to develop strategic policies that maximize digital technology advantages. The research study presents essential knowledge regarding digital Islamic education practices and provides strategies for its successful application among diverse classrooms. Technological innovation produced by digitalization helps enhance Islamic education quality by creating global educational practices.

OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY AND HEALTH MANAGEMENT PLAN AT THE WORKPLACE FOR HIGH-RISE BUILDINGS: A CASE STUDY AT SME BANK, MALAYSIA

Mohd Radzlee Othman, Rozita Zahari — Tue, 20 Jan 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Occupational safety and health (OSH) remain a critical concern in high-rise office environments where structural complexity and human activity converge. This study explores the implementation and effectiveness of an OSH Management Plan at Menara SME Bank, Malaysia, in alignment with the Occupational Safety and Health Act 1994 (Act 514) and the MS1722:2005 standard. The research aims to (i) evaluate employee awareness and understanding of OSH protocols and (ii) assess the effectiveness of implementation practices. A total of 250 staff members were surveyed using a structured questionnaire and the data were analysed using descriptive statistics, Pearson correlation, and regression techniques via SPSS. Results indicate that the role of management, particularly senior leadership, plays a decisive role in shaping OSH performance outcomes. Significant positive correlations were found between managerial involvement, policy visibility and the overall effectiveness of OSH measures. The regression model demonstrated that 75.5% of the variance in OSH effectiveness could be explained by the identified predictors. The study concludes that robust leadership commitment, clear communication of safety policies and continuous employee engagement are key enablers of a strong safety culture. These findings contribute to best practices in OSH implementation and offer a replicable model for high-rise buildings in urban centres.

STRATEGIC REFORM IN MALAYSIA’S PRISON SYSTEM MANAGEMENT: PUNISHMENT VS. REHABILITATION. A CONCEPTUAL VIEW

Ibrisam Bin Abdul Rahman, Yufiza binti Mohd Yusof — Tue, 20 Jan 2026 00:00:00 +0000

This article examines the role of strategic management in shaping Malaysia’s prison reform agenda, focusing on the tension between punishment and rehabilitation. Specifically, it analyzes how institutional leadership, policy implementation, and community partnerships influence public attitudes and policy outcomes, thereby determining whether correctional practices evolve toward deterrence or reintegration. The study adopts a conceptual approach, synthesizing criminological theories (Deterrence and Rehabilitation) with organizational perspectives (Institutional Theory). A literature review of academic studies, policy documents, and recent reform initiatives provides the foundation for a conceptual framework. This framework maps the relationships between leadership, policy, partnerships, public attitudes, and policy outcomes, offering testable propositions for future empirical research. The analysis reveals significant gaps in Malaysia’s prison reform, including strong leadership but weak implementation, uneven rehabilitation programmes, and persistent societal stigma against ex-offenders. Tensions between short-term deterrence and long-term reintegration remain evident, reflecting competing philosophical orientations in correctional management. Strategic management emerges as a balancing mechanism, harmonizing punitive traditions with rehabilitative priorities through integrated leadership, consistent policy execution, and robust community partnerships. The article contributes to both theory and practice. Theoretically, it integrates criminological and institutional perspectives to explain prison reform dynamics. Practically, it highlights the need for resource allocation, performance monitoring, and community engagement to ensure reform success. By aligning leadership, policy, and partnerships, Malaysia can reduce recidivism, alleviate overcrowding, and foster humane correctional practices. This study offers a novel conceptual framework that links strategic management to the punishment–rehabilitation debate in Malaysia’s prison system. It provides a foundation for future empirical research and policy development, demonstrating how strategic choices can shape sustainable correctional outcomes.

EXPLORING THE DETERMINANTS OF EMPLOYEE RETENTION: A MULTI-SECTOR ANALYSIS OF LEADERSHIP, WORK ENVIRONMENT, AND EMPLOYEE ENGAGEMENT: A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW

Siti Fatinnah Ab Rahman, Nurul Nadiah Abd Rahman, Nur Hima Muhamad Rahim — Tue, 20 Jan 2026 00:00:00 +0000

This systematic literature review examines the determinants of employee retention across multiple sectors, focusing on the roles of leadership, work environment, and employee engagement. Employee retention is a critical challenge faced by organizations worldwide, affecting various industries such as healthcare, education, hospitality, and business services. The problem addressed in this study is the lack of a unified understanding of the key factors that drive employee retention in these diverse sectors. The methodology involved an extensive search using the Scopus database, applying strict inclusion and exclusion criteria to ensure the relevance and quality of the studies. The review encompasses a total of 42 primary studies, which were systematically analyzed to identify the key determinants of employee retention. To achieve this, we conducted an extensive search of scholarly articles from reputable databases such as Scopus focusing on studies published between 2019 and 2024. The methodology adhered to Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines, ensuring rigor and transparency. The finding was divided into three themes which is (1) leadership and retention strategies, (2) employee engagement, motivation, and job satisfaction and (3) generational, sector, and theoretical perspectives on retention. The findings reveal that leadership styles, particularly servant and transformational leadership, significantly influence retention by fostering strong employee engagement and job satisfaction. Work environment factors, such as compensation, work-life balance, and organizational culture, were also found to play critical roles in reducing turnover. Additionally, employee engagement emerged as a key mediator in the relationship between leadership and retention, emphasizing the need for organizations to invest in both leadership development and employee well-being. The review concludes that a holistic approach, integrating leadership practices, supportive work environments, and engagement strategies, is essential for improving retention across various sectors. Further research is suggested to explore the contextual differences in these factors across industries and regions to provide more tailored recommendations for organizations.

TRANSFORMATIONAL LEADERSHIP AND ORGANIZATIONAL CITIZENSHIP BEHAVIOUR AMONG NURSES WORKING IN PUBLIC HOSPITALS IN UGANDA: THE MEDIATING EFFECT OF ORGANIZATIONAL CLIMATE

Muzungu Ibrahim — Tue, 20 Jan 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Uganda’s public hospitals continue to face critical workforce challenges, including weak leadership systems, low morale, and limited organizational support, which collectively undermine nurses’ willingness to engage in discretionary behaviours essential for effective service delivery. Understanding how leadership can enhance organizational citizenship behaviour (OCB) is therefore vital in such resource constrained health systems. Guided by Social Exchange Theory and Social Learning Theory, this study examines the effect of transformational leadership on OCB among nurses in Uganda’s public hospitals and assesses the mediating role of organizational climate. A quantitative correlational design was employed using a multistage sample of 384 nurses drawn proportionately from public hospitals across Uganda’s four regions. Data were collected using a 5-point Likert-scale questionnaire and analysed using SPSS for descriptive statistics and SmartPLS 4.0 for measurement and structural equation modelling. From the 384 distributed questionnaires, 345 were returned (90% response rate). Measurement model results confirmed reliability and validity (factor loadings > 0.70, CR = 0.72-0.89, AVE > 0.50). Structural model. Findings revealed that transformational leadership significantly predicted OCB (β = 0.206, t = 3.007, p < 0.01) and organizational climate (β = 0.719, t = 14.228, p < 0.001). Organizational climate also had a significant effect on OCB (β = 0.206, t = 3.319, p < 0.01). Mediation analysis demonstrated a significant indirect effect of transformational leadership on OCB through organizational climate (β = 0.091, t = 2.991). The model showed moderate predictive power, with transformational leadership and climate explaining 37% of the variance in OCB, while climate alone explained 51%. The study advances leadership and organizational behaviour literature in under studied African public health contexts by empirically integrating Social Learning Theory and Social Exchange Theory to explain how transformational leadership shapes OCB both through behavioural modelling and reciprocal exchanges facilitated by a supportive climate. Findings highlight the need for public hospitals to strengthen transformational leadership competencies such as individualized consideration, ethical conduct, and intellectual stimulation and to cultivate a fair, supportive, and communicative organizational climate to enhance nurses’ extra-role behaviours critical for improving patient care.

BRIDGING THE GREEN COGNITION-BEHAVIOR GAP: THE ROLE OF ENVIRONMENTAL KNOWLEDGE, DIGITAL LITERACY, AND SOCIOECONOMIC FACTORS IN BATTERY ELECTRIC VEHICLES (BEV) ADOPTION IN CHINA

Hu Yan — Tue, 20 Jan 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Battery electric vehicles (BEVs) are currently perceived as one of the most important solutions in terms of limiting environmental impact, but there is a wide chasm between concern and adoption behavior. This research seeks to analyze the impact of environmental concern on the uptake of BEV in China by evaluating mediating variables like information literacy, safety and problem-solving abilities, and moderating effects of consumer knowledge and socioeconomic status. A sample of BEV buyers was surveyed with a formatted questionnaire. The results demonstrate that information literacy, safety, and problem-solving have a robust mediating effect on the association between environmental concern and BEV adoption, whereas consumer knowledge reinforces this connection. Socioeconomic status, however, does not indicate a moderating effect. In a practical sense, these findings underscore the necessity to improve consumer education, stimulate better access to reliable information about BEVs, resolve the perceptions of safety, and build problem-solving skills. When combined with supportive infrastructure, such initiatives have the potential to transform environmental concern into actual action in the form of environmentally friendly purchasing, speeding up the shift towards sustainable mobility, and supporting further environmentally related goals in Chinese society.

THE FUTURE OF SMALL AND MEDIUM ENTERPRISES (SMES) ON A SKILLS-DRIVEN ECONOMY: TEVT'S ROLE IN ENHANCING COMPETITIVENESS AND SUSTAINABILITY IN PERAK

Azizul Kama Abd Aziz , Yufiza Mohd Yusof — Tue, 20 Jan 2026 00:00:00 +0000

This study investigates the strategic role of Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) in enhancing the competitiveness and sustainability of small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in Perak, Malaysia. By integrating TVET as a mediating variable, the research offers a novel conceptual framework that links policy support, technological adoption, and networking initiatives to SME performance outcomes. Drawing on empirical evidence, the study reveals that TVET significantly amplifies the impact of these enablers by addressing skill gaps, improving operational efficiency and fostering market adaptability. The findings also highlight persistent systemic barriers such as financial constraints, limited access to TVET resources, and urban-rural disparities that hinder SME development. Practical recommendations are proposed for policymakers, TVET institutions and SME stakeholders, including streamlined regulatory reforms, customized training modules, and sustainability-focused programs. The study contributes theoretically by bridging gaps in existing literature and practically by offering actionable insights for ecosystem strengthening. Ultimately, this research underscores the transformative potential of TVET in driving inclusive, resilient, and environmentally responsible SME growth, positioning Perak’s enterprises as vital contributors to regional and national development.

INTEGRATING KNOWLEDGE MANAGEMENT AND CONTINUOUS IMPROVEMENT TO DRIVE ORGANIZATIONAL ADAPTABILITY: A CONCEPTUAL REVIEW

Tue, 20 Jan 2026 00:00:00 +0000

In a volatile and fast-evolving business environment, the ability to adapt continuously is paramount for organizational survival and sustained competitive advantage. Although transformation programs frequently highlight agility, the roles of continuous innovation and knowledge management as critical drivers of organizational adaptability are often underappreciated. This review synthesizes existing knowledge management and continuous improvement literature to clarify their roles in fostering organizational transformation. This article examines key knowledge management and continuous improvement overlaps, including shared foundations in organizational learning theory. It offers a model showing how knowledge management and continuous improvement work together through adaptive behavior. The paper also outlines a future research agenda, emphasizing the need for empirical studies on integration mechanisms, digital augmentation, maturity models and contextual influences.

A MULTI-THEORETICAL FRAMEWORK FOR SUPPLY CHAIN RISK MANAGEMENT IN MALAYSIA’S CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY: HIGHLIGHTS THE THEORETICAL INTEGRATION AND SECTOR-SPECIFIC FOCUS

Muhamad Norsyafiq Muhamad Nazri, Ahmad Shabudin Ariffin, Abdul Ghafur Hanafi — Tue, 20 Jan 2026 00:00:00 +0000

The construction industry is inherently vulnerable to supply chain risks due to its complex, project-based nature and reliance on diverse stakeholders, materials, and external conditions. In Malaysia, these challenges are intensified by issues such as material shortages, labour constraints, regulatory changes, and unforeseen disruptions like the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite growing awareness of these risks, many firms continue to adopt conventional supply chain management approaches that are linear, reactive, and insufficiently equipped to manage the dynamic and interconnected nature of modern construction risks. This study aims to examine supply chain risks in the Malaysian construction industry through a robust theoretical lens and to propose a comprehensive, context-specific risk management framework. Three main objectives guide the research: to identify key supply chain risks, to assess the relevance and applicability of established theories in understanding these risks, and to develop a theoretical model for effective risk mitigation. The study is underpinned by a multi-theoretical foundation, incorporating Resource Dependence Theory (RDT), Transaction Cost Economics (TCE), Chaos Theory, Supply Chain Risk Management (SCRM) frameworks, Lean and Agile Supply Chain Theory, Network Theory, and Institutional Theory. These theories provide a comprehensive understanding of the causes, propagation, and mitigation of supply chain risks within construction projects. By bridging theoretical insights with industry practices, this research aims to contribute a tailored risk management framework that enhances resilience, adaptability, and performance in Malaysia’s construction sector. The outcomes are expected to support industry stakeholders in making informed, proactive decisions that safeguard project success and long-term sustainability.